Southdown News

2009 NAILE Youth Symposium

Join us for the 2009 NAILE Youth Symposium!

Sponsored by the AJSA Ambassadors

Who: All youth are welcome to join in the fun
When: Saturday, November 14 at 3:00 PM
Where: NAILE meeting rooms (signs will be posted)
Why: Activities are centered on educational contests found at many state, regional, and national shows.

The Youth Symposium is an excellent opportunity to learn from many speakers on the following topics:

Photography, poster, & T-shirt design 
Fleece presentation and judging  
Ad layouts and logo design  
Anatomy and meat cut identification

ICE CREAM SOCIAL AT THE END

NAILE Entries

   Junior exhibitors have entered 272 Southdowns.  The entries can be viewed HERE.  The show will be November 14.  You can view the show on the internet if you are ubable to be present.

   The open show has 208 Southdowns entered.  View those entries HERE. The show starts at 8:00 am on November 17.  t is also on the internet.

   Both open show and junior show exhibitors are listed HERE.

Stars Sale Catralog

29 Southdown bred yearling ewes and ewe lambs have been consigned to the Sale.  The sheep are from top breeders from the west coast to the midwest and east.  View the catalog HERE.

NAILE Schedule

North American Junior Show - November 15
The show will be Sunday, November 15. The exact time is yet to be announced. Dr. Shawn Ramsey of  Texas A&M University will be evaluating the sheep.
Stars of Louisville Sale - November 14
The sale will be on Saturday November 14, at 12:30 at the sale arena area, adjacent to the sheep office. The complete sale catalog is HERE.
Banquet and Annual Meeting - November 16
The 127th annual meeting of the ASBA will be held Monday evening November16 at 6:30 p.m. with a banquet and then annual meeting. The exact location in the south hall of the North American complex will be announced later. Tickets for the banquet may be purchased at the door. No advance purchases are necessary.
Board Meeting -  November 16
The informal meeting of the Board of Directors will be held Monday morning at 9:00 a.m., November 16 at the North American. Location will be assigned later.
National Show - November 17
Craig Beckmier will judge the National Southdown Show starting at 8:00 a.m. on November 17.

Illinois On Line Bred Ewe Sale Posted

 View the Illinois Bred Ewe on line saleHERE

Bred ewe sales have been missing for some time.  This is the perfect way to supplement your flock or help a local 4-H er start in the Southdown business.  There are 18 head offered with 10 being bred ewes and 8 ewe lambs.  Delivery of all sheep offer for sale can be made to Louisville on November 15. 

Sign up now for your bidding number and review the on line bidding rules.  The rules are what you expect.  The sale takes place next Monday and Tuesday, October 19 & 20 and ends at 9:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday. 
 

American Southdown Breeders E-Letter
There is an old saying in the South about “treating a man so many ways that one of them is bound to be right!”  Well, you don’t have to be in the South for that to happen.
The 2009 National Junior Show held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, this past Sunday is now history and what a great day it was for all who attended.
The Mid-Atlantic Southdown Association did a fantastic job in making everyone feel at home and glad they had come.  The show was well organized, fun for the kids, and presented great awards.  Each youth received a pewter belt buckle, Hershey candy bar with the AJSA wrapper on it, and an AJSA decal.  Show placing awards included:  hand- painted hexsigns from Pennsylvania, photo frames with a hand painted Southdown lamb, rosettes, banners, and the list goes on.
The weekend started with a special meal and reception to honor past Secretary Florence W. Strouse.  Mrs. Strouse served the Association and its members for many years.  It was wonderful to designate the junior show in her honor and also to unveil the new trophy, which will be awarded in Louisville in her honor.  This unique trophy will be given to the ewe exhibiting the best breed character at the National Show.
With over 200 head of Southdowns, the show ring at the Keystone saw a solid show with competitive classes all day.  It was a pleasure to have Dr. Mike Bishop of Rio, Wisconsin, evaluate the sheep.  Mike worked his way through the classes and orchestrated a great show.  It was particularly pleasing to have Dr. Bishop spend time with each of our junior members and discuss their entries.  Great job, Mike!
The Champion Ram of the National Junior Show came from the fall ram lamb class, Northern Starr “8120” owned by Krystal Repasky of Prior Lake, MN.  Krystal also exhibited the Reserve Champion Ram, coming out of the February class with Northern Starr “9108”.
The Champion Ewe of the show was a great yearling, Northern Starr “8023” again shown by Krystal Repasky.  A very stylish ewe lamb, Forsee “E09-100”, shown by Morgan Forsee of Owenton, Kentucky, took the Reserve Champion Ewe honor.
Morgan had a great day being the Premier Exhibitor of the show.  Sarah Doyle of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, was honored to win the Premier Exhibitor from the Mid-Atlantic region.
In a few days all the results of the show will be posted on the website.  Just another great day for the breed and for our Southdown youth!

 

September 18 Newsletter

American Southdown Breeders E-Letter
American Southdown Sheep Breeders, 100 Cornerstone Road, Fredonia, TX 76842
Phone: (325)429-6226 Fax: (325)429-6225 Writer/Editor: Gary Jennings E-mail: southdown@ctesc.net 
Web site: http://www.southdownsheep.org

 

Illinois On-Line Sale
Just leave it to the folks in Illinois to be the first at everything!!  The Illinois Southdown Breeders’ Association is holding an on-line bred ewe sale on October 19-20^th.  The sale will be handled through www.breedersworld.com . About 25 top quality bred ewes will be offered in the sale bred to some of the top stud rams in the breed today.  I understand the ewes will be on-line starting around October 1^st.  If you have questions, you might contact Jim Davis at jbdavis@maxwire.net or Mark Johnson at aandmranch@aol.com.
Ewes for Youth
    As most of you are aware, every year at Louisville the American Southdown Breeders Association gives away five bred yearling ewes to deserving youth from throughout the nation.  These youth who win the ewes come from all types of backgrounds, but are very highly qualified candidates.  Most have continued to raise Southdowns throughout their high school years and several for years beyond.  
    For several years we have had to turn away donors for this program, but in recent years with the economy being the way it is, we have struggled to get the five ewes donated.  This year is no exception.  We are still looking for Southdown breeders to donate a bred ewe.  The ewe needs to be sheared and delivered to Louisville.  They will be awarded before the Stars of Louisville Sale on Saturday.  The ewe must also be either "QR" or "RR" and the offspring must carry at least one "R".  I know some of you are saying, “Our sheep are not big enough.”  That is not true.  Each year I get the same comment, but when they arrive in Louisville, they are just perfect in size.  Not all of us want to raise the same size of sheep as we use them for different purposes.
    If you would like to donate a ewe, please contact Patty Abell at abellfamilyfarm@yahoo.com or (503)201-6904. 
Kynlee  Miller
Nick and Allison Miller, of Owenton, Kentucky are so pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Kynlee.  Kynlee was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Nick and Allison are operating their business this fall.  We all look forward to seeing Kynlee at the North American this November.

    

The Big E

The Big E show is in full swing today with another great Southdown show!  Look for the results of the show online soon.   

Scholarship, Ambassador and Spirit Applications online

         The application for a $600 schloraship is linked on the home page.  Applicants must forward their application by October 1, 2009.  Three scholarships are being awarded this year.
       The National Junior Ambassadors for next year need to apply.  That application is also linked on the home page and it needs to be returned by Octobeer 1, 2009.
        Finally, the nomination form for the Southdown Spirit award is linked on the home page.  It must be returned by November 1, 2009

Passing of Steve Kwisnek

Steve Kwisnek, 89, of Clarksburg, Pennsylvania passed away on Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 at St. Andrew's Village, Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Kwisnek was the owner of Scenic View Farm, Clarksburg, for 50 years and a member of the American Southdown Breeders' Association.  He won numerous awards with his sheep on the county, state and national level.  He is survived by his wife, Ruby and three sons, including Gary Kwisnek.

The service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 5th at Shoemaker Funeral Home with Reverend Robert McCrumb and Reverend James Seeger co-officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Southdown Breeders' Association, Youth Scholarship Fund, 100 Cornerstone Rd. Fredonia, Texas, 76842.

Ambassador Successful at Wisconsin

John Jones, junior Southdown Ambassador from Rio, kept Southdowns in the spotlight at the Wisconsin State Fair in August.  Case IH presented John with a $500 check for the Supreme Champion breeding sheep award won by his Southdown ram lamb.    Gold Medal trailer also provides use of a Featherlite trailer for the coming year to owner of the Supreme breeding sheep, thus the Case IH tractor and the trailer in the photo backdrop.  This is the first year for Case IH to provide the cash award and the first time a ram has won the overall Supreme title. 

John received a second check from Case IH two days later for $100 when he took Supreme Champion Showmanship honors (over both market and breeding sheep) with his Southdown ewe that had also won the Reserve Supreme Ewe banner for John.  Junior Southdown exhibitors had more showmanship awards and top scores in quiz and skillathon than any other breed.  Congratulations and thank you to all of the Wisconsin juniors for being great ambassadors of the breed.

August 27 E-Letter

American Southdown Breeders E-Letter
American Southdown Sheep Breeders, 100 Cornerstone Road,Fredonia,TX 76842
     Phone: (325)429-6226 Fax: (325)429-6225 
  Writer/Editor: Gary Jennings  E-mail: southdown@ctesc.net  
         Web site: http://www.southdownsheep.org

It seems to me that summer is coming to an end quickly as we will begin September soon.  With the end of summer, comes the beginning of school for so many.  There are different schedules and other responsibilities.  It is time to look forward to our fall events and activities of our Association. You might want to go to our website at www.southdownsheep.org and take another look at the placings from so many of the Midwestern State Fairs.  I have heard a number of great comments on the quality of sheep and the number of Southdowns shown.  One report was of the Southdown ram that was Supreme Champion in Wisconsin.  It was the first time for a Southdown!!  Congratulations to all those that participated.
Don’t Forget the National Junior Show Deadlines 
The deadline for entries in this year’s National Junior Show is August 31^st.  That is just a few days away, but don’t worry, you can find the entry blank on the website under the Summer 2009 Journal.  The entry blank is on page 17 on the web or on page 15 of the Journal!  
The show will be held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, along with the Keystone International Livestock Show—all on the first weekend of October.  I understand it is possible to go from the Big E show to the Keystone in the same time period.  
The hotel headquarters is the Four Points by Sheraton.  With a direct number of 1-800-644-3144, it is easy to make your reservations.  Be sure to note the cut off for the special rate of $85.00 is September 8^th. 
“Ewes for Youth” 
September 1^st is the deadline for this popular program that places bred yearling ewes with youth who are selected through an application process.  If you are interested, or know of a youth that is interested, please find the form on the website and submit it to the Association office.  Each year five outstanding youth are selected to receive these ewes. 
 “Stars of Louisville” 
The oldest sale at the North American is the “Stars” sale.  It began back in 1992 with the intent of selling elite females to progressive breeders.  Well, entries are due for the sale, on September 1^st also.  If you have a question, call the office at 325-429-6226. 

And….. the answer to the trivia question on the last E-letter is----- Bradley Hopkins was the winner of the first “Pot of Gold” futurity with a Gale Cole ewe lamb!!

Junior Crowned Little Miss Princess

Adriana Skyy Wendland was crowned Thursday, August 20, as Little Miss Princess of the Seasons during the Miss Minnesota Valley Pageant.  She faired very well during her interview as she just turned 5 then end of July.  The eleven contestants were ages 5 - 7 and will be represented in various parades and celebrations throughout the Minneapolis & St. Paul metro area & suburbans for the next eyar. Adriana belongs to the AJSA, is the daughter of Krystal & Mike Wendland, and granddaughter of Jeff & Trace Repasky, all of Prior Lake, Minnesota.

American Southdown Breeders E-Letter
American Southdown Sheep Breeders,
100 Cornerstone Road,Fredonia,TX 76842

Phone: (325)429-6226 Fax: (325)429-6225 Writer/Editor:
Gary JenningsE-mail: southdown@ctesc.net 
Web site: http://www.southdownsheep.org

VIEW ALL-AMERICAN PHOTOS HERE

It’s all about having fun!
I’m flying home on Monday morning, July 6^th, after the All-American Junior Show in Greenville, Ohio.  I have been to a number of All-American Shows over the years but have missed the past several.  My absence from these past several shows has only emphasized to me, when present this year, the driving force that has made the shows so successful.  That ingredient is fun!  From the beginning on Friday morning to the final event on Sunday afternoon, the show was absolutely packed with fun events for the youth.  It is a diverse family oriented show that truly is one that everyone should attend.
Southdowns and Southdown youth were once again the dominant force at the show.  From the judging contests, essays, posters, photos, showmanship classes and other events our youth were simply outstanding.  I can’t say enough good about our youth and their parents.  They continue to amaze me!
Finally, the Southdown breeding and market shows were perhaps the best I have seen in many years.  Classes were very deep as each new class brought forth a set of outstanding sheep.  With the Southdown show having the most numbers of any breed and lasting for eight hours, two things came to my mind as I watched.  
First is the maturity of this breed.  I watched a number of young breeders do exceptionally well with sheep they raised.  The genetics are deep enough and consistent enough for everyone to enjoy raising high quality Southdowns.
Secondly, was the pride of ownership that I saw in the exhibitors.  The sheep were fed well, fitted well, and shown well throughout the day.  Again, this speaks well of the youth and their parents.
It was a super weekend for all at the 2009 All-American Junior Show. Yesterday, July 5^th was a great day for the Southdown breed.  But, let us never forget it is all about having fun!!
Champions at the All-American 
Champion Ram – Brandon Howard, Mulhall, Oklahoma
Reserve Champion Ram – Cameron Shellhouse, Sycamore, Ohio
Champion Ewe – Derek Wilson, Titusville, Pennsylvania
Reserve Champion Ewe – Milan Pozderac, Mt. Vernon, Ohio
Champion Market Lamb – Klay Verhaeghe, Argos, Indiana
Reserve Champion Market Lamb – Laurie Fitch, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Top Gun Award – John Jones, Rio, Wisconsin

Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa Early Shows a Success

 

Austin JimBob and Gabriel Lewis of Lime Springs exhibited the Supreme Champion Ram and Ewe over all breeds at the 2009 Iowa Jr. Extravanganza Show in Adel, Iowa on June 14th. Breeds exhibiting at the show included Southdowns, Hampshires, Suffolks and Dorsets.

At the Illinois Southdown Experience, Reed Baer Exhibited the Champion Ewe and Jarrad Kull showed the Champion Ram

Wisconsin Southdown juniors had a great start to the show season.  Of the 133 junior breeding sheep representing 8 breeds at the Wisconsin Spring Preview held June 6, the 13 junior Southdown exhibitors had the largest show with 41 head.  Supreme Champion Ewe honors went to John Jones, Rio, and the Reserve Supreme Ram was exhibited by Kelsi, Dathan, and Kailen Smerchek, Rosholt. 

June 13 Illinois & Iowa Preview Shows

The 5th Annual Iowa Sheep & Wool Festival will be held June 13 and 14, Dallas County Fairgrounds, Adel, Iowa.  For Web LINK   or contact Randy Lewis, rlewis@fthr.com  The event has a number of sheep activities in addition to a junior show.

The Illinois Southdown Experience will be at Eureka, Illinois the morning of June 13.  For information, contact Mike Mc Elvain,  mcelvain@gte.net. This is a show for the fun of showing sheep. For more information go to LINK

Ohio Classic Averages $782

The Ohio Southdown Classic held it average with the past several years at $782 on 170 head.  Its strength was shown in the sale of all 13 yearling rams and all ewes.  With the exception of a few higher priced sheep, the strength of this sale was in the middle and lower part of each class. The full results can now be seen at
http://www.southdownsheep.org/pdf/09ohiosouthdownreport.pdf

Jeff Repasky and Northern Star Livestock had an outstanding sale.  They won both ewe champions and the champion ram.  The champion ewe of Northern Star, from the fall class, sold to Dereck Wilson of Pennsylvania  for $7500.  The reserve champion ewe, a Northern Star yearling, sold to McGuire Farms for $2700.

The champion ram, a Norther Star fall lamb, sold to Pleasant Springs Southdowns for $3250 and the reserve champion, a Splendorview yearling, sold to Scramlin Southdowns for $550.  In the yearling ram class Howard sold for $2000 and Oldenberg for $1000.  13 yearling rams averaged $700.  Fall rams sold even better with 12 head averaging $1068.  Northern Star sold for $2200, Pleasant Springs for $1175, Colorado State for $2100 and MB Genetics  for $1000.  The junior champion January ram from Willwerth sold for $1000 and Norther Star for $1700.  15 January rams averaged $583.  The February ram of Jim Davis was reserve junior champion and sold for $300.  6 February rams averaged $350.

43 yearling ewes averaged $902.  High sellers were Norther Star $2400, Pleasant Springs $2400 & 1600, Hopkins $1050, Oldenberg $1600, Greets $1000, Hayward $2000 and Poverty Point $1200.  Fall ewes averaged $1145 on 17 head. Greets sold for $1900, Poverty Point $1200 MB Genetics $1050 and Northern Star for $1300.  The first palce January ewe of Fielder sold for $1800 with A&M Ranch at $1400, Oldenburg $1300, Howard $1000 and Northern Star at $1400.  36 January ewe lambs averaged $607.  Both junior champions came from the February ewes.  Champion on Oldenburg sold for $2000 and reserve from Pleasant Springs for $1900.Other highs were Forsee $1050, Sink $1200, Fielder $1700 and Oldenburg $1800.  28 February ewes averaged $717.  Over 50 Futurity nominated ewe lambs sold and 20 were qualified.

3rd e- Letter

American Southdown Breeders E-Letter
American Southdown Sheep Breeders 100 Cornerstone Road, Fredonia, TX 76842
Phone: (325)429-6226 Fax: (325)429-6225 Writer/Editor: Gary Jennings
E-mail: southdown@ctesc.net  Web site: http://www.southdownsheep.org

Ohio Sale
The Ohio Sale is in progress as I write this letter.  You will find a
complete sale report as quickly as the official report is released to the
Association.  It will be posted on the website of the ASBA at
www.southdownsheep.org <http://www.southdownsheep.org/>
 
AJSA Ambassadors
The Junior Association is well represented by outstanding young people that
you will see helping at National events and representing our youth across
America.  They are Heather Meyers from Rough and Ready, California; Daniel
Howard from Edmond, Oklahoma; John Jones of Rio, Wisconsin; Kelsey Bowman of
Blandinsville, Illinois; and Elizabeth Goblet from Berne, New York.
 
These Ambassadors have an ambitious schedule of events and activities that
they will be working on this year.  Your support of their activities and
events will be greatly appreciated.  You may be contacted at some point in
time for your support. Better yet, when you see one of the Ambassadors, stop
them, and they can explain their events, activities, and needs.
 
Ohio Southdown Association
Speaking of support, the Ohio Southdown Breeders' Association made a very
generous donation to help the Ambassadors this year. This state Association
has always put youth first and continues to do so.  Many thanks for the
continued support of Ohio Southdown breeders.
 
Ric Wallace
Our good friend, Ric Wallace suffered a stroke on April 4th.  He is in a
hospital in Cincinnati at the present time.  My last report showed signs of
improvement, but the road to recovery will take time.  His family has set up
a website for updates at www.caringbridge.org/visit/ricwallace
<http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ricwallace>.  It would be great to drop
Ric a card at the following address:  Ric Wallace, Drake Center, 151 W.
Galbraith Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45216-1015. Our thoughts and prayers are with
the Wallace family.
 
Texas Southdown Sale
One of the regional sales each year is the Texas Southdown Breeders'
Association sale that is held in Abilene, Texas.  The sale will be on
Saturday, May 16th at the Taylor County Expo Center.   The show for sale
order will be at 9:30 a.m., and the sale to follow at 1:00 p.m.  This sale
has a strong state futurity program, which brings out some of the best ewe
lambs in Texas each year.
 
Don't forget the business meeting of the Texas State Association that will
be highlighted by plans for the upcoming 2010 National Junior Show to be
held in Lubbock, Texas. 
 
We hope to see all of our Texas Southdown friends at the sale and meeting. 

Southdown Grand Champion Carcass at Houston

     Kassidy Wilkirson of Menard, Texas exhibited the Grand Champion carcass lamb at the 2009 Houston.  The carcass competion is comprised of the 1st and 2nd place lamb form each class.  That includes blackface, fine wood, fine wool cross aqd Southdown.  Her lamb was the first place heavy weight wieghing 128 pounds.  Three of the top 10 lambs were Southdowns.  It is good to see that the Southdown carcass has again come to the top.  In the past, this was a commen event.  Is it the begining of a new trend?

Did You Get the Second E - Letter

American Southdown Breeders E-Letter
American Southdown Sheep Breeders, 100 Cornerstone Road, Fredonia, TX 76842
Phone: (325)429-6226 Fax: (325)429-6225 Writer/Editor: Gary Jennings
E-mail:   southdown@ctesc.net  Web site: http://www.southdownsheep.org

---

Response to the first Southdown E-letter sent several weeks ago has been
overwhelming, with numerous addresses coming in daily.  The individuals
receiving this E-letter have more than tripled from the first letter! 

If this is your first letter, welcome, and we hope you enjoy your experience
with Southdowns!

Ohio Sale Update
    Eaton, Ohio, will be the site of the first major Southdown sale of the year
on May 8th & 9th.The sale catalog for the Ohio Southdown Classic is now online.  Check out
the consignments at <http://www.southdownsheep.org/pdf/09SouthdownClassic.pdf>.
    As you browse through the entries and study pedigrees, we hope you plan to
attend the sale and invest in the fresh genetics that will be offered.
Quality sheep have always been a good investment.
National Sale
    Not to take away from the fast approaching sale in Ohio, but don't forget
the National Sale this year will be in conjunction with the Midwest Stud Ram
Sale in Sedalia, Missouri.  The dates to remember are the show for sale
order on Tuesday, June 23rd as well as the National Sale, which should begin
at approximately 10:30 on Thursday, June 25th.  Don Hopkins of No. Scituate,
Rhode Island will have the honor of sorting the sheep for sale order.
    If you don't have a motel room and are planning a trip to the National Sale,
it would be good to reserve a motel room as soon as possible.  Motel rooms
can be a premium in the town of Sedalia!  I would recommend that you either
contact the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce at 660-826-2222 or go to
<http://www.CityofSedalia.com>. The Chamber of Commerce can assist you in
finding a room reservation.  The website also has a listing of most motels
and phone numbers.
    Since this is the National Sale, and consignors and buyers are expected from
coast to coast, the Southdown Association will be hosting an informal
gathering.  The exact time and date will be announced soon.
What was in your Easter basket?
    I just received word today about a new addition to the Bowman family in
Illinois.  Jami Bowman, who we all know as Jami Meisenheimer, granddaughter
of Gale and Joy Cole, had a wonderful addition to her family on Easter
Sunday.  Born to Jami and Patrick Bowman was a son, Ty Patrick Bowman, 7
lbs. 8 oz., 20 ½" long.  I'm sure that Brad and Betsy, Gale and Joy and all
the Cole family had a memorable Easter.  Everyone is doing well, and they
finished lambing the same day! 

Did You Receive an E-Letter, Send your email address

The first e-letter of the Southdown Association was published and sent on April 6, 2009.  If you did not receive this, send your email address to southdown@ctesc.net and you will receive future emailings.  This is the first edition:

American Southdown Breeders E-Letter
American Southdown Sheep Breeders, 100 Cornerstone Road, Fredonia, TX 76842
Phone: (325)429-6226 Fax: (325)429-6225 Writer/Editor: Gary Jennings
E-mail: Web site: http://www.southdownsheep.org

Dear Friends,

This is the first of hopefully many, e-letters to keep you informed on the
latest happenings of the American Southdown Breeders' Association.  This is
in no way, a substitution for the Southdown Journal or our website.  Both
are important parts of the Association and its members.  Our desire with the
e-letter is to give you immediate knowledge about matters that could affect
your flock, and to make your experience with Southdowns more rewarding.

Ohio Showcase Sale

It is not the first sale of the year, but certainly, the Ohio Southdown Sale
is the first major consignment sale of the calendar year.  In visiting with
Sale manager and auctioneer, Gary Saylor, I understand there are
approximately 200 head entered from 40 consignors, representing  19 states.
The catalog will be mailed around the 15th of April, or better yet, the
catalog will be available on Gary's website around April 11th.  The web
address for Gary is www.saylorauction.com <http://www.saylorauction.com>.

Registry Work (You need it when!!)

Along with the beginning of the sale season, comes the realization that you
need registry papers.
Plan ahead on those papers, as most are amazed at the time applications and
then registry papers spend in the mail.  It is not unusual to have three
days in the mail before arrival in the office and then three days in return.
Our normal office turn around is four days, so plan on mailing your registry
work at least two weeks before you actually need it.  The other option is to
use express mail and rush fees.  Remember payment must accompany the
registry applications.

Hairy Lamb Update (The following update comes from the committee)

Efforts are continuing to solve the issue of the birth of hairy lambs.  DNA
research under the direction of Dr. John Beever at the University of
Illinois has gone slower than anticipated.  We hope to have answers as to
the potential for a genetic correlation soon.  Hairy Lamb Syndrome may
indeed be a multi-faceted problem capable of being influenced by more than
one factor.  As further information becomes available, it will be circulated
to all breeders.  There have been reports that other breeds have seen hairy
lambs similar to those seen by Southdown breeders.  This emphasizes the
importance of our association continuing to take the lead on an issue that
could prove to be industry wide.

Samples are still needed for further testing from any hairy lambs born as
well as their dam and sire.  For instructions on how to submit samples,
please look on page 9 of the Winter American Southdown Breeders Association
Journal which can also be downloaded from the association website
(www.southdownsheep.org).  If you have any questions please feel free to
contact any of the members on the Hairy Lamb Committee.  Dr. Bob Fielder at
530-336-1038, Dr. John Jones at 419-667-3167; or Dr. Scott Flanagan at
325-653-0113.

2009 All American

The 2009 All-American Junior Sheep Show is going to be held at Darke County Fairgrounds in Greenville, Ohio from July 3-5, 2009. The All-American is the premier junior breeding sheep show in the country. The breeds participating this year are: Polled Dorsets, Horned Dorsets, Hampshires, Southdowns, Cheviots, Shropshires, Oxfords, Montadales, Shetlands, Columbias, Natural Coloreds. Also, the All-American welcomes a new breed Dorpers to the show and the 2009 National Junior Tunis Show will be featured. Several meat breeds will feature slick shorn classes this year at the All-American. Judges for this year’s event will be Evan Snyder, Yukon, OK and Eric Bruns, Powell, OH.

For further information, see the full Press Release

Wisconsin Southdown Breeders begin Starter Ewe Lamb Program

The Wisconsin Southdown Association (WSA) is announcing a new program called the "Starter Ewe Lamb Program".  The purpose of the program is to promote and encourage Wisconsin youth involvement in Southdown sheep. The program will award a high quality Southdown Ewe Lamb to two Wisconsin youth who do not currently own Southdowns. The breeder of the donated ewe will mentor the youth in feeding and management decisions for the ewe. Youth will be required to show the ewe at two show and report to the WSA on the progress of the ewe and their sheep project. Wisconsin youth ages 9-16 enrolled in 4-H or FFA who do not already own Southdown sheep are eligible to apply.  The application deadline is March 28th, 2009.

 

The program details as well as an application  can be found on the WSA website, www.wisconsinsouthdowns.com.  The ewes will be awarded to the two youth selected at the Wisconsin Invitational Sale in April. If you have questions, please see the WSA website or contact  Debra McClintock at W2696 Hwy 16, Bangor, WI 54614 or email at dp.mac.111@hotmail.com.

 

Association Information Updates

    A new web page has been added titled "Association Information".  It will provide the membership access to information about the Association on a business sense.   The minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting, the Annual Meeting and the Organizational Meeting are now listed.  The policy and procedures manual will be posted shortly.

It Does Not Get Any Closer

    The ewe lamb division of the 2008 Futurity ended in a tie. Nick Fowler of Ohio and Jenna Langer Wisconsin both had a final total  of 76 points.  They will share the honor but,  the right to have the trophy for a year goes to Nick because he had the highest point total at Louisvile.  Fowler's lamb came from B & B howard of OklahomIa and Langer's lamb was from MB Genetics of Wisconsin.

    Nick Fowler was able to win the yearling ewe Futurity outright by a whole point over Emily Johnson of Illinois.  This is the second time both the lamb and yearling have been won by the same individual.  Fowlers point total on his Splendorview yearling was 88 with Johnson at 87 on her Oldenberg yearling.

    Acomplete listing of the results can be found here.

Heather Meyers Third Scholarship Recipient

Heather Meyers is a second year student at California State Uuniversity Chico majoring in Communications and Graphic design and with a minor in Agriculture Business. Heather has served as the Western Region Ambassador for the past two years.  She   continues to breed and show her Southdown's on the west coast, and will be working to get more county fairs to have Southdown Market lamb divisions through out California, a long with her Ambassador duties.

Heather would like to thank the Scholarship committee for her scholarship award.

That Perfect Southdown Christmas

A limited number of the very popular Southdown sculptures are now for sale in the Association office, just in time for Christmas.

The sculptures are done by artist Carol Herden of Iowa, and have been very well received by all those that have seen them.

The Southdown ewe is $95.00, the Southdown ram is $100, and the Southdown family of a ewe and two baby lambs is $150.00.  There is also a charge of $12.00 per sculpture for shipping.

If you have further questions, please contact the Association office.

Jessica Hopkins Scholarship Winner

Unfortunately, Jessica could not be there in person to accept her scholarship in Louisville but her mother, Deb Hopkins, was more than happy to accept it on her behalf. Jess is in her Senior year of college at The University of Connecticut with a pathobiology major. She has taken on a lot of extra curricular responsibilities with the UConn Block & Bridle Club. She was chairman of their recent sheep show in the Little International and is the event organizer for the upcoming NESA conference that is going to be held at UConn in February for the Northeast Colleges.

Jess has retired from showing in Junior Shows but certainly has enjoyed her experiences both locally and nationally participating in shows these past few years. The Southdown sheep family has become hers also and she has enjoyed meeting all the people. She served as the Southdown National Ambassador, and really enjoyed the experience and leadership skills she obtained. She plans on continuing supporting her family in the Southdown operation. Jess helps out when she is home and I know would like to get to more events to assist with the sheep.

Jess, has made her family very proud and some of the credit does go to all of the Southdown activities she has been involved in over the years, both in and outside of the showring. Thank-you to the ASBA for this scholarship and supporting the young people in the Southdown breed who are trying to continue their education and find their place in this every changing world we live in.

David Baer - Scholarship Winner

    This is the first of 3 features on the Southdown Scholarship winners.
    David Baer, 18, of Carlock, Illinois was named one of three recipients of the American Southdown Breeders’ Association Scholarship Award. David, son of Brad and Rhonda Baer is a freshman at Illinois State University studying Agriculture. He is interested in Agronomy and Agriculture Business. David is a 2008 graduate of Normal Community West High School, Normal, Illinois where he was active in FFA. He held several chapter office positions and was active on livestock, meats and soils judging teams. He was the winner of the C.J. Custer Award two out of four years. The C.J. Custer Award is a scholarship award given to the best livestock and/or dairy judge of the chapter. David is a 10 year member of 4-H where he has held offices of President, Vice President and Treasurer. He attends the North Danvers Mennonite Church and is a member of the Angels Without Wings Youth Group (AWW). David has participated in four mission trips with the AWW – Central Mexico, New Orleans, the Appalachians in Kentucky, and Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota. He works for the local BP gas and service station and is a volunteer firefighter for the Carlock Fire & Protection District. 
    David has been involved in the family MillerDowns flock since he was a toddler. He started his own flock as a 4-Her with two ewes and has grown it to 30 ewes. They are maintained with the MillerDowns flock. He is involved in every aspect of the operation from breeding, lambing, selection, feeding, to health management and facilities management. David is in charge of the haymaking operation for the flock and has developed a custom haymaking business from his experience. 
    David plans on using his scholarship to help pay for tuition and books this next semester at ISU. He would like to thank the ASBA and especially the Youth Development and Education committee for selecting him as a recipient and for their support of his college education.

Annual Meeting News

    Darrell Howard was unanimously selected as President of the American Southdown's Association.  LC Scramlin was selected as Vice President.  Our Association has become a substantial business venture with income and expenses exceeding $100,000.  The continuity of the association financial leadership involves the Vice President preparing the budget.  This has proven successful as our Association, in these difficult times, has a cash balance in excess of $100,000.

    A new webpage has been added titled "Association Information".  It will provide the membership access to information about the Association on a business sense.  Currently, the Constitution, the 2008 registrations and the annual report of the Secretary are linked on that page.  In the future, the Association policy and procedure manual will be added along with minutes of the association board of director meetings.

    Several honors and recognitions always are presented during the annual meeting at Louisville.  Submitting them in a bulk summary does not do the recipient justice.  Southdown News will report in future  postings on the three scholarship recipients, the Southdown spirit award and the Futurity results.  Speaking of the Futurity, it is not possible for it to have been any closer.  This year's results even included a "scorecard playoff".  (The golfers of our group can explain what that means.)

    As you have your morning coffee, check the Southdown News for additional Louisville updates.

SOUTHDOWN RAM SUPREME CHAMPION

    The champion Southdown Ram at the 2008 North American International Livestock Exposition was selected on November 21 as the Supreme Champion Ram winning the honor over 20 other breed grand champions.  In addition to winning the open show championship, "New Generation" also was the Junior Show champion.  The ram was bred and raised by Norther Star Livestock of Prior Lake, Minnesota and exhibited by Krystal Repasky.

Supreme ewe was a Montadale.