I cannot remember a time when the “entire” sheep industry has enjoyed greater financial rewards, if the enterprise represented is properly managed. I appreciate that the commercial producers have been able to find good reason to maintain and even expand their ewe flocks. After all, these are the people who represent the real back bone of our industry, even though there are many critics quick to announce this segment is going the way of the dinosaur . My hope is that with the market strength we have been experiencing these past few years, our commercial industry will gradually regain the prominence enjoyed decades ago, making the balance of the industry healthier for all involved. The good news, recent inventory numbers released by the USDA gives hope that this trend has a chance, with a 3% increase in total sheep numbers reported.

     I understand many that might be stopping to read these thoughts have a stronger interest in the show ring then what the markets are for the commercial producer. But the truth of the matter, the US sheep industry is so small, every sector needs to be supportive of the other if we are to have any chance to survive and prosper. Many of today’s sheep producers got their start through an FFA or 4-H projects and that fact will continue in the future. My hope is that we convert some of these early experiences by our youth into a desire to produce lamb and wool for a growing consumer base that continues to see more and more imported lamb everyday in the meat case. There is life in the sheep business, after the show ring!

     For a young person who wants to be involved directly in farming or as a secondary enterprise to supplement off farm employment, sheep hold great promise. There is no doubt that the big dollars generated by some of the elite show driven flocks get our youth thinking, this is what I want to do as well. However, not everyone can sell sheep at that level, unless they are born into the business or extremely fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. This spring, the Easter lamb markets topped the two-dollar mark and then some, add this annual marketing strategy along with the ever-growing ethnic-nitch market, there are good reasons to be optimistic about the commercial sheep business.

     I am blessed to have buyers from almost every segment of this industry attend my annual production sale. I have been fortunate to sell a hundred rams annually for the past three years. This did not happen by accident, I chose the path of “Balanced Genetics”, keeping my genetics suitable for the various segments of the industry, knowing fully well there were extremes I could chase, but if I did, I would loose some of the broad buyer base I had sought to build. Thus, my thoughts are to keep the genetics firmly rooted in the principles of raising “functional animals”. Those seeking to participate in the show ring will always want the LOOK, which will never change, but if performance, convenience, and maternal traits are part of the genetic game plan, you will have a larger buyer base. I feel this is critical to survive as a seedstock producer today.

     CHANGE is inevitable, and I believe the Suffolk breed is in great need of change if it is to stay the first choice of either the club lamb industry or the commercial (range) ram buyer. I know this is a breed with unsurpassed potential for merits in growth and carcass traits. We must not loose site of why this breed has excelled in the past, it was the terminal sire leader. I believe there is a risk that this distinction could be lost if we do not wake up, and it starts with what judges pick in the show ring!