We caught up with Mr. Jacob Lear exhibitor of the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2024 LSU Livestock Show. Learn a little more about Jacob below!
Tell us a little about your champion:
This year at LSU I exhibited the Grand Champion Market Lamb. His name was Trouble because he would always start trouble with the other sheep. He was also the most friendliest lamb I have ever raised. I also exhibited the Grand Commercial and Supreme Ewe. She had her own attitude and acted like a “Karen” so I named her Karen!
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned while showing animals?
I have learned how to stay humble and always give 110% even on a bad day in the ring.
Do you have any special tricks for getting stubborn animals to cooperate?
Don’t get aggravated with the sheep and always remain calm. You have to work those animals more at home to break their habits.
What’s your favorite memory involving your animals?
My favorite memory is tied between two. Winning the Grand Champion Market Lamb at LSU and beating my older sister for the first time. I will never forget those two handshakes in the show ring.
How do you prepare your animals both physically and mentally for the shows?
I work my animals daily in and outside the barn to make them more comfortable in different surroundings. Also throw them in the trailer every now and then to calm them down during transportation.
What’s the most challenging aspect of showing livestock, and how do you overcome it?
The most challenging part of showing is to always leave the ring with a smile no matter the outcome. We all have our good and bad days.he most challenging part of showing is to always leave the ring with a smile no matter the outcome. We all have our good and bad days.
Who inspired you to become the showman you are today?
My older sister Sadie. She has always been one of the best showman in the state of Louisiana. After she graduated I was know as “Sadie’s little brother”. That motivated me even more to become a better showman and make a name for myself.
Do you name your animals? If so, what’s the most interesting name you have given?
Yes I do. This year my Grand Champion Commercial Ewes name was Karen. She acted just like a “Karen”!
If your lamb had its own pump-up song, what would it be?
The pump-up song for my lamb would be “I’m Sexy and I Know It”.
What’s the most unexpected blooper you’ve experienced during a show?
During the 2023 Louisiana State Fair, I was walking to take a picture at the backdrop with my reserve Hampshire market lamb and during that walk he decided to shoot some poop! Went about 3 feet behind him and luckily nobody had to change clothes.
