The National FFA Organization makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.  Growing up on a farm, Sheep Production has been apart of my everyday life: from the days of childhood that were consumed with bottle-feeding to the day I was given my first ewe.  Through my Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project, I not only became more enthusiastic about Sheep Production, but more informed to educate people about sheep and their importance to Agricultural Industries.

Originally, my main motive in having sheep was to raise and show them at the National Polypay Jr. Show. When I purchased my first ewe at the sale, she was consigned as a Futurity Ewe.  I brought her home, lambed her and competed in the Jr. Class Show following year. I won a cash prize over $100 , which helped me purchase a new and superior looking sheep. However, I became frustrated with the end result of a poor lambing crop and a poor over conditioned ewe.  With the help of my parents and an introduction to the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP), I focused on producing superior weaning weights, prolific crops and emphasis on superior genetics.

The FFA Motto: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to ServeSince the beginning of my SAE, the productivity of my flock has increased due to selection and culling of low performing ewes. My skills in the lambing process have greatly excelled, and I am now able to process lambs without any assistance and am competent in recording data. Additionally, a goal that I wanted to accomplish this year was to increase my mechanical skills. I have taken initiative to learn new skills and apply them to our operating farm.

My current breeding ram ranks nationally as one of the most genetically superior sires. His progeny carry desirable traits through genetics as well as showcasing an exceptional image of the breed as proof in EPD data. As I raise my sheep, I understand more about them and have grown to appreciate them more.  My enthusiasm to promote the sheep industry as well as my interest in complimenting animal health has grown rapidly and will continue to with time and work.  It is my duty and desire to continue to produce wholesome lamb, quality wool and superior breeding stock for the future of the sheep industry and animal agriculture.  The American lamb industry is a vital part to American agriculture.

For more information about agricultural education visit the National FFA Organization or follow my blog- 2009-2010 Minnesota FFA President.