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Sam Schmillen

We caught up with Mr. Sam Schmillen, exhibitor of the Grand Champion 4-H Market Lamb at the 2022 Iowa State Fair. Learn a little more about Sam below!

School Attending & Grade: I will be a sophomore this Fall at Remsen St. Mary’s High School in Remsen Iowa

What was special or interesting about your lamb?
Pedro has a non functioning voicebox…the first 2 days that we had him home he would make this funny noise and we thought he just stressed easy. Then one day we watched him try to bellar and he made that same weird noise. It was funny in a way….zero volume could end up being a desirable breeding trait.

What was your favorite sheep in your barn this year?
It’s hard to narrow it down to just one, I’m pretty jacked about the set we have put together for this Fall. That being said, Pedro did go out and hang a banner right off the bat so if I had to pick one today he is the logical choice.

How would you describe the moment you were selected as champion?
That feeling never gets old but what made it next level was the way the judge slapped that lamb when he selected him. He smacked him so hard I’m surprised the lamb didn’t jump the fence. Those kind of moments will stick with me for the rest of my life.

Favorite thing to hear on showday?
“Your Grand Champion Market Lamb was exhibited by Sam Schmillen”

Favorite person you spent time with at the show…

I always look forward to seeing everyone that you only get to see a few times each year…the livestock kids that all have that same drive and goals. It doesn’t seem like it matters what species you show, you just have a lot in common. Also, after last year, I’m grateful every time I look out and see my Mom in the crowd, we couldn’t do this without her.

Do you have any superstitions?
I don’t know if it is a superstition or a comfort level but I will always be showing in a pair of tennis shoes…..I have big feet and they just feel better than a pair of 20lb hard sole shoes.

What is your dream job?

Unrealistic dream job – owning my own hunting and fishing guide service.
Realistic dream job – getting an Ag Business degree and continuing the family business.

We caught up with Mr. Sam Schmillen, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2020 Iowa State Fair – Special Edition 4H Show. Learn a little more about Sam below!

Age: 14

Hometown: Marcus, IA (Remsen St. Mary’s School)

With the uncertainty of the show season, how did you stay focused?
I just put my head down and kept working. We figured even if they didn’t have the State Fair there would be some sort of Expo to show at so the end goal was to be ready for whatever was to come.

What was something new you tried this year since you were able to be home more often than normal?
Since I wasn’t in school and playing sports Mom and Dad took more of a hands off approach this year for the first few months. I handled everything from feeding to exercising and leg care. It was actually nice because I could get up in the morning and do this rather than late at night after school and practice.

What is your favorite show product to use?
Show Coat

When I grow up I want to be….
Dream Jobs…..Fishing and Hunting Guide or play basketball.
I would also like to stay involved with the family’s show lamb business.

Showing animals has helped me to develop……

A Strong Work Ethic…I have found out that if all the hard work is done at home it makes show day easier…..one of our barn sayings is to  “practice it a 1000 times at home for that 1 time in the show ring”.  

What’s your favorite Barn Chore:
Nothing better than freshly chipped pens

Who is the person you look to for advice right before you go in the ring for that last minute pep talk or pointer:

Mom, if you haven’t realized she is very detailed…..she will run down the do’s and don’ts for each lamb as we are walking to the showring.

Favorite Celebration Restaurant after a good day at the show:
Texas Roadhouse

Favorite Song or Singer:
Luke Combs