We caught up with Mr. Zade Jennings, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2022 North Carolina State Fair. Learn a little more about Zade below!
School Attending & Grade: Princeton Middle – 6th Grade
What was special or interesting about your lamb?
My lamb’s name was Yoda. The breeder, Mrs. Terri McCoy, did not want to sell him at first because she wanted her own son to show him. We had to beg and sweet talk her into letting us have him!
What was your favorite sheep in your barn this year?
Yoda was definitely my favorite sheep in the barn. He was very friendly and had a unique personality that made him fun to work with.
How would you describe the moment you were selected as champion?
It’s hard to explain. If you know me, you know I’m never at a loss for words but that moment left me speechless.
Favorite thing to hear on showday?
My Dad always tells me to “go kick so butt” before I go into the show ring!
Favorite person you spent time with at the show…
The McCoy family came all the way from West Virginia to support me at the NC State Fair this year. Mrs. Terri gave great cues from outside the ring, Brayden was fun to talk with while we prepared the lambs to show, and Mr. John kept my Dad occupied (less nervous) while they got out lambs ready for the ring.
Do you have any superstitions?
My favorite color to wear in the showring is Red. This year my shirt of choice was a red, paisley shirt. I also like to eat at Amedeo’s, an Italian restaurant in Raleigh, the night before the show. It’s full of sports memorabilia from my favorite collegiate, athletic team, NC State University. This year we ate there the night before I won Grand and Reserve Champion Market Goat and the night before I had Grand Champion Market Lamb.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to be pitcher for a Major League Baseball Team and then become a sportscaster. If that plan doesn’t work out, I want to raise chickens and lambs with my good friend, Burke Simmons.
