We caught up with Mr, Taylor Lautenschlager, exhibitor of the Reserve Champion Breeding ewe at the 2023 State Fair of Nebraska FFA. Learn a little more about Taylor below!
Age:I am 21 years old
Grade: I am a Junior at The University of Nebraska, Lincoln
How do you stay focused on reaching your goal?
When striving to reach my goals I always remember success doesn’t happen overnight, so there is a lot of hard work and time that goes into achieving my goals.
Do you show any other species besides sheep? If so, what other species?
No.
What’s your favorite show? and why?
My favorite show that I have exhibited livestock at is the Nebraska State Fair. I am from Nebraska and the state fair is my home show. I have had several successes at Nebraska State Fair including: Grand Elite Goat Showman, Reserve Champion FFA Sheep Showman, Champion Dorset, Champion Natural, Reserve Overall FFA Sheep Showman, Reserve Overall 4H Sheep Showman, Champion Crossbred Ewe, Reserve Supreme Champion Breeding Ewe, and Supreme Overall Sheep Showman.
What do you do to celebrate after a big win?
I try to celebrate winning by just being in the moment as long as I can. Once backdrop pictures are over I am heading to the wash rack to wash and treat sheep for any fungus they could have gotten while in the ring. After everything is done my family and I go out to celebrate and eat Prime Rib.
What has showing livestock taught you?
Through exhibiting livestock I have learned to be dedicated and determined towards my show lambs and work extremely hard in order to achieve my goals.
What’s your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to continually own and operate a distinguished club lamb program that raises competitive and elite show lambs.
What’s your lambs name? and what made him/her so special?
My lambs were named Bailey and Bacardi. There’s no particular reason for their names, I just liked them.
Who do you look up to?
I look up to my dad because he’s helped throughout my whole entire show career and always pushed me to become better. I also look up to Kolby Burch, who has been a big mentor for me throughout showing, raising, and evaluating livestock. Kolby Burch has also helped me connect with our breeders and leaders throughout the livestock industry.
