The Show Wether - Volume 1, Issue 2 - 2015 by Cowgirl Publications

July/august 2015

keeping wethers healthy wether buck impact Show results

State Fair Issue

2 - The Show Wether

Table of Contents

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WETHER STYLE BUCKS AND THEIR IMPACT: Differences Make Them Unique From Purebred Stock By Robyn Scherer, M.Agr.

KEEPING WETHERS HEALTHY IN HOT WEATHER MAKES A DIFFERENCE COME SHOW TIME By Robyn Scherer, M.Agr.

JUDGES Q&A: KELLY BRUNS

SHOW RESULTS All*American Buckle and Banner Prospect Jackpot Midwest Stud Ram Sale Rocky Mountain Junior Show Series Finale Pacific International California State Fair

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY Subscription Card to The Show Wether CHASING BANNERS

CONTACT P.O. BOX 250 • ELIZABETH, CO 80107 theshowwether@gmail.com • www.theshowwether.com PUBLISHER COWGIRL PUBLICATIONS LLC ROBYN SCHERER, M.AGR, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CREATIVE DIRECTOR cowgirlpublications@gmail.com • www.cowgirlpublications.com

July/august 2015

State Fair Issue

keeping wethers healthy wether buck impact Show results

About the Cover

Congratulations to Clayton Sardella, pictured showing the Grand Champion Market Goat and Maggie Madden, pictured showing the Grand Champion Market Lamb, at the 2015 California State Fair in Sacramento, California. Photos courtesy of Show Photos by Katina.

Want to see your photo in The Show Wether?

Check out "Chasing Banners," where we feature YOUR show photos, in every issue! Submit your photos at theshowwether@gmail.com

The Show Wether is published bi-monthly. A one year subscription costs $30.00, or $5.00 for one issue by The Show Wether. P.O. Box 250, Elizabeth, CO 80107. The Show Wether hereby expressly limits its liability resulting from any and all misprints, errors and/or all inaccuracies whatsoever in the advertisement and editorial content published by The Show Wether and its said liability is here by limited to the refund of the customer or its payment for the said advertisement, the running of a corrected advertisement, or editorial notice. Notification by the customer of any errors must be made within 30 days of distribution of the magazine. Advertising copy received after deadline will not be returned for proofing. Changes to advertising copy made after deadline date will be allowed only if time permits, and will incur the appropriate charges according to time and materials involved in the changes. The opinions or views expressed in all editorials are those of the writer or persons interviewed and not The Show Wether. The Show Wether reserves the right to edit or refuse all material which might be objectable in content. No material or part thereof, may be reproduced or used out of context, without prior, specific approval of a proper credit to The Show Wether. © 2015 Cowgirl Publications LLC The Show Wether - 3

L etter From the Editor

AMAZING START TO A NEW ERA I can't even begin to explain how thrilled I am about the reception that the inaugural edition of The Show Wether received. I have received many wonderful comments about the quality of the publication, and how excited breeders are that there is finally a publication that focuses on the wether industry. This issue is the State Fair Issue, and will be handed out at state fairs around the country. This issue features an in-depth article on the what makes wether bucks unique, advice on keeping wethers healthy in hot weather, a Q&A with the Midwest Stud Ram Sale wether sire and dam judge, and show results from around the country. Don't forget to send in your events to be included for free in the full nationwide calendar of events. There are some great reader submitted photos this issue, which are featured in “Chasing Banners.” Please send your photos from your fall fairs, jackpots and state fairs to be featured in the next issue of The Show Wether! I am so humbled by the outpouring of support, the willingness of exhibitors to share their stories, and the faith from advertisers. The Show Wether has grown leaps and bounds in the last two months, and it wouldn't happen without each and every person who picks this magazine up. Thank you for your support. I want to give a special thank you to the breeders and exhibitors who have offered to hand out the magazine at shows this summer. I appreciate all that you do!

Robyn Scherer, M.Agr - Editor

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4 - The Show Wether

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Calendar of Events AUGUST 2015

1: 5TH ANNUAL HEARTBEAT OF THE HILLS GOAT SHOW; WHITE COUNTY AGRISCIENCE CENTER – CLEVELAND, GA (G) 1: NORTHWEST GEORGIA LAMB CLASSIC; NORTHWEST GA RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER LIVESTOCK PAVILION – CALHOUN, GA (S) 1: 6TH ANNUAL IDABEL CLASSIC JACKPOT; MCCURTAIN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS – IDABEL, OK (S&G) 1-2: ALL BREED JR. LIVESTOCK SHOW; OTHELLO, WA (S&G) 2: 2015 TALL CORN JACKPOT WETHER SHOW; WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS – WASHINGTON, IA (G) 5: SIOUX EMPIRE FAIR MARKET LAMB SHOW; W.H. LYON FAIRGROUNDS – SIOUX FALLS, SD (S) 7: INDIANA STATE FAIR MARKET LAMB SHOWMANSHIP; INDIANA STATE FAIRGROUNDS – INDIANAPOLIS, IN (S) 8: INDIANA STATE FAIR MARKET LAMB SHOW; INDIANA STATE FAIRGROUNDS – INDIANAPOLIS, IN (S) 8: HEART OF GEORGIA 4-H/FFA MARKET GOAT SHOW; SOUTHERN PINES AG & EXPO BUILDING – DUBLIN, GA (G) 8: BRING ON THE HEAT MARKET GOAT SHOW; SOUTH GA YOUTH PARK WIREGRASS ARENA – NICHOLLS, GA (G) 8: SIOUX EMPIRE FAIR MARKET GOAT SHOW; W.H. LYON FAIRGROUNDS – SIOUX FALLS, SD (G) 8: AUGUSTA CO JACKPOT; AUGUSTA EXPO – FISHERSVILLE, VA (S&G)

8-9: SURF N TURF JACKPOT; SAN BENITO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS – HOLLISTER, CA (S&G) 9: HONOR SHOW CHOW CLINIC & JACKPOT SHOW; ALEXANDRIA, LA (S&G) 10: INDIANA STATE FAIR MARKET GOAT SHOW AND SHOWMANSHIP; INDIANA STATE FAIRGROUNDS – INDIANAPOLIS, IN (G) 10: RED RIVER SHOWDOWN; RED RIVER PARISH FAIRGROUNDS – COUSHATTE, LA (S&G) 11: WISCONSIN STATE FAIR WETHER TYPE BREEDING SHEEP SHOW; WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK – WEST ALLIS, WI (S) 11: WYOMING STATE FAIR MARKET GOAT SHOW & SHOWMANSHIP; WYOMING STATE FAIRGROUNDS – DOUGLAS, WY (G) 12: WYOMING STATE FAIR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS MARKET LAMB CHALLENGE, WVATA YOUTH JACKPOT MARKET LAMB SHOW; WYOMING STATE FAIRGROUNDS – DOUGLAS, WY (S) 12: WISCONSIN STATE FAIR MARKET LAMB SHOW; WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK – WEST ALLIS, WI (S) 13: WYOMING STATE FAIR WVATA YOUTH JACKPOT MARKET GOAT SHOW FOLLOWED BY CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS MARKET GOAT SHOW; WYOMING STATE FAIRGROUNDS – DOUGLAS, WY (G) 13: IOWA STATE FAIR FFA MARKET LAMB SHOW; IOWA STATE FAIRGROUNDS – DES MOINES, IA (S) 13: MISSOURI STATE FAIR 4-H & FFA MARKET LAMB SHOWS; MISSOURI STATE FAIR GROUNDS – SEDALIA, MO (S)

14: WYOMING STATE FAIR MARKET LAMB SHOW AND SHOWMANSHIP; WYOMING STATE FAIRGROUNDS – DOUGLAS, WY (S)

17: IOWA STATE FAIR 4-H MARKET LAMB SHOW; IOWA STATE FAIRGROUNDS – DES MOINES, IA (S)

14: MISSOURI STATE FAIR 4-H & FFA WETHER DAM SHOWS; MISSOURI STATE FAIR GROUNDS – SEDALIA, MO (S)

17: MISSOURI STATE FAIR FFA & 4-F MARKET GOAT SHOWS; MISSOURI STATE FAIR GROUNDS – SEDALIA, MO (G)

14: MOONLIGHT JACKPOT SHOW; COAL COUNTY EXPO CENTER – COALGATE, OK (S&G)

20: IOWA STATE FAIR 4-H AND FFA MARKET GOAT SHOWS; IOWA STATE FAIRGROUNDS – DES MOINES, IA (G)

14-15: TIFT AREA MARKET LAMB SHOW & MEAT GOAT SHOW; TIFT COUNTY LIVESTOCK MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING – TIFTON, GA (S&G)

21: IOWA STATE FAIR WETHER SIRE/DAM SHEEP SHOW; IOWA STATE FAIRGROUNDS – DES MOINES, IA (S)

14: STATE FAIR OF WEST VIRGINIA MARKET GOAT SHOWMANSHIP; STATE FAIR OF WV FAIRGROUNDS – LEWISBURG, WV (G)

21: CENTRAL STATE FAIR JACKPOT YOUTH GOAT & SHEEP SHOWS; CENTRAL STATES FAIRGROUNDS – RAPID CITY, SD (S&G)

15: STATE FAIR OF WEST VIRGINIA MARKET GOAT SHOW; STATE FAIR OF WEST VIRGINIA FAIRGROUNDS – LEWISBURG, WV (G)

21: KENTUCKY STATE FAIR 4-H/FFA MARKET GOAT SHOWMANSHIP AND COMMERCIAL DOE SHOW; KENTUCKY EXPOSITION CENTER – LOUISVILLE, KY (G)

15: WASKOM FFA GOAT JACKPOT; MARSHALL CITY ARENA – MARSHALL, TX (S&G) 15: ILLINOIS STATE FAIR MARKET LAMB AND MARKET GOAT SHOWS; ILLINOIS STATE FAIRGROUNDS – SPRINGFIELD, IL (S&G) 15: TYLER COUNTY FAIR BUYERS SIZZLEN’ SUMMER SHOWDOWN; TYLER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS – WOODVILLE, TX (S&G) 15: WASHKOM FFA JACKPOT; MARSHALL, TX (S&G) 15: STATE FAIR OF WEST VIRGINIA MARKET LAMB SHOWMANSHIP; STATE FAIR OF WEST VIRGINIA FAIRGROUNDS – LEWISBURG, WV (S) 16: STATE FAIR OF WEST VIRGINIA MARKET LAMB SHOW; STATE FAIR OF WEST VIRGINIA FAIRGROUNDS – LEWISBURG, WV (S)

22: KENTUCKY STATE FAIR 4-H/FFA MARKET GOAT SHOW; KENTUCKY EXPOSITION CENTER – LOUISVILLE, KY (G) 22: THE MAVERICK MARKET LAMB SHOW; NOC AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES BUILDING – TONKAWA, OK (S) 22: WLBA SUMMER SPECTACTULAR ; CENTRAL WISCONSIN STATE FAIRGROUNDS – MARSHFIELD, WI (S) 22: DEEP SOUTH SHOWDOWN; FRANKLIN, LA (S&G) 22: WESTERN IDAHO FAIR MARKET LAMB SHOWMANSHIP; EXPO IDAHO – BOISE, ID (S&G) 23: WESTERN IDAHO FAIR MARKET LAMB SHOW, MARKET GOAT SHOWMANSHIP & SHOW; EXPO IDAHO – BOISE, ID (S&G) The Show Wether - 5

Calendar of Events AUGUST 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

25: 4-H/FFA SHEEP SHOWMANSHIP AND 4-H/FFA JUNIOR BREEDING SHEEP SHOW; KENTUCKY EXPOSITION CENTER – LOUISVILLE, KY (S)

4-5: LABOR DAY CLASSIC GOAT SHOW; GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIRGROUNDS – PERRY, GA (G)

23: IOWA STATE FAIR JACKPOT LAMB SHOW; IOWA STATE FAIRGROUNDS – DES MOINES, IA (S)

26: 4-H/FFA MARKET LAMB SHOW; KENTUCKY EXPOSITION CENTER – LOUISVILLE, KY (S) 27-28: COLORADO STATE FAIR MARKET GOAT SHOWMANSHIP, MARKET GOAT SHOW; COLORADO STATE FAIRGROUNDS – PUEBLO, CO (G) 28: MINNESOTA STATE FAIR 4-H MARKET LAMB & MARKET GOAT SHOWS; MINNESOTA STATE FAIRGROUNDS – ST. PAUL, MN (S&G) 29-30: COLORADO STATE FAIR MARKET LAMB SHOWMANSHIP MARKET LAMB SHOW; COLORADO STATE FAIRGROUNDS – PUEBLO, CO (S) 29: OREGON STATE FAIR 4-H & FFA MARKET LAMB AND MARKET GOATS SHOWS; OREGON STATE FAIR & EXPOSITION CENTER – SALEM, OR (S&G) 29: OREGON STATE FAIR JACKPOT; OREGON STATE FAIR & EXPOSITION CENTER – SALEM, OR (S&G) 29-30: UGA BLOCK & BRIDLE SUMMER GOAT & LAMB CLASSIC; UGA LIVESTOCK INSTRUCTIONAL ARENA – ATHENS, GA (S&G)

4: SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIR 4-H & FFA MARKET GOAT SHOWS; SD STATE FAIRGROUNDS – HURON, SD (S)

5: MINNESOTA STATE FAIR FFA MARKET LAMB AND MARKET GOAT SHOWS; MINNESOTA STATE FAIRGROUNDS – ST. PAUL, MN (S&G) 5: CENTRAL TEXAS STATE FAIR TCLA LAMB AND TCMGA MEAT GOAT SHOW; BELL COUNTY EXPO CENTER – BELTON, TX (S&G) 5: COLMESNEIL FFA AG BACKERS LABOR DAY BLOWOUT; TYLER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS – WOODVILLE, TX (S&G) 5: HARDIN-JEFFERSON SEPTEMBER BASH; JOHN BLAIR SHOW BARN – KOUNTZE, TX (S&G) 5: NEBRASKA STATE FAIR 4-H MARKET GOAT SHOW; FIVE POINTS BANK LIVESTOCK ARENA – GRAND ISLAND, NE (G) 6: NEBRASKA STATE FAIR 4-H MARKET LAMB SHOW, FFA MARKET GOAT SHOW; FIVE POINTS BANK LIVESTOCK ARENA – GRAND ISLAND, NE (S&G) 6: SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIR 4-H & FFA MARKET GOAT SHOWS; SD STATE FAIRGROUNDS; HURON, SD (G) 6-7: PERMIAN BASIN FAIR & EXPOSITION MARKET GOAT & MARKET LAMB SHOWS; ECTOR COUNTY COLISEUM FAIRGROUNDS – ODESSA, TX (G) 7: NEBRASKA STATE FAIR FFA MARKET LAMB SHOW; FIVE POINTS BANK LIVESTOCK ARENA – GRAND ISLAND, NE (S)

6 - The Show Wether

11-12: KANSAS STATE FAIR LAMB AND GOAT SHOWMANSHIP, MARKET LAMB AND GOAT SHOWS; KANSAS STATE FAIRGROUNDS – HUTCHINSON, KS (S&G) 12: STEPHENS COUNTY FFA ALUMNI BLUE RIBBON CHALLENGE (GOAT SHOW); STEPHENS COUNTY AG CENTER – EASTANOLLEE, GA (G) 12: WORTH COUNTY YOUNG FARMERS MARKET GOAT AND LAMB SHOW; SCREVEN COUNTY AG CENTER – SYLVESTER, GA (S&G) 12: WEST TEXAS FAIR OPEN MARKET LAMB SHOWS A&B; EXPO CENTER OF TAYLOR COUNTY – ABILENE, TX (S) 13: WEST TEXAS FAIR YOUTH MEAT GOAT SHOW; EXPO CENTER OF TAYLOR COUNTY – ABILENE, TX (G) 13: WISCONSIN SHEEP AND WOOL FESTIVAL; JEFFERSON FAIR PARK – JEFFERSON, WI (S) 18-19: ATLANTIC COAST CLASSIC JACKPOT MARKET LAMB & GOAT SHOW; SCREVEN COUNTY AG CENTER, SYLVANIA, GA (S&G) 18: OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR MARKET WETHER SHOWMANSHIP, CLUB LAMB BREEDING EWE SHOW; OKLAHOMA STATE FAIRGROUNDS – OKC, OK (S) 18: UTAH STATE FAIR MARKET GOAT SHOW; UTAH STATE FAIR PARK – SALT LAKE CITY, UT (G) 19: OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR MARKET LAMB SHOW; OKLAHOMA STATE FAIRGROUNDS – OKC, OK (S) 19: GLEN ROSE 4-H CLUB; OAKDALE PARK – GLEN ROSE, TX (S&G) 19: TENNESSEE STATE FAIR MARKET LAMB SHOW; TENNESSEE STATE FAIRGROUNDS – NASHVILLE, TN (S)

19: TRI-STATE FAIR MARKET LAMB SHOW; AMARILLO TRI-STATE EXPOSITION – AMARILLO, TX (S) 20: WASHINGTON STATE FAIR 4-H MARKET LAMB & MARKET GOAT SHOWS; WASHINGTON STATE FAIRGROUNDS – PUYALLUP, WA (S&G) 21: TRI-STATE FAIR MARKET GOAT SHOW; AMARILLO TRI-STATE EXPOSITION – AMARILLO, TX (G) 25: AK-SAR-BEN’S RIVER CITY RODEO & STOCK SHOW MARKET GOAT SHOW AND SHOWMANSHIP, MARKET LAMB SHOWMANSHIP; CENTURY LINK CENTER OMAHA – OMAHA, NE (S&G) 26: AK-SAR-BEN’S RIVER CITY RODEO & STOCK SHOW LAMB GOAT SHOW; CENTURY LINK CENTER OMAHA – OMAHA, NE (S) 26: PANHANDLE SOUTH PLAINS FAIR MARKET GOAT SHOW; SOUTH PLAINS FAIRGROUNDS – LUBBOCK, TX (G) 26: OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR MARKET GOAT SHOW & SHOWMANSHIP; OKLAHOMA STATE FAIRGROUNDS – OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (G) 30: STATE FAIR OF TEXAS MARKET LAMB & MARKET GOAT SHOWS; FAIR PARK – DALLAS, TX (S&G)

S: SHEEP G: GOATS

List Your Events! Please visit www.theshowwether.com/events for a full yearly calendar of events. You can list your show in The Show Wether and online for free! Send details to theshowwether@gmail.com

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KIOWA, CO - WWW.CHAMPIONLIVESTOCK.COM Contact: Robyn Scherer robyn@championlivestock.com

Sheep & goat wethers, Boer does, purebred and Fullblood Boer bucks available. The Show Wether - 7

Wether style bucks and their impact By Robyn Scherer, M.Agr.

Bushwhacker, owned by Ralph Schafer & La Copa Ranch, is a great example of what an outstanding wether goat sire looks like in the goat industry. Photo courtesy of La Copa Ranch.

In the sheep and goat world, there are many different types of bucks to choose from. Some breeds have breed standards that are required for a purebred animal, but for many wether type bucks, there are no set standards, and this is exactly what makes them so unique, as they pull from the best attributes of several breeds. A wether style buck has one main purpose: to produce competitive wethers and wether type ewes/ does. Many factors play into the competitiveness of a wether, such as feed and exercise program, but the foundation, the genetics, have to be there from the start.

8 - The Show Wether

The advantage of heterosis Wether style bucks differ from other breeds in several different ways, because many times wether style bucks are crossbreds, or a mix of different breeds. This doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that purebred bucks cannot be wether sires, but they do not have what a crossbred does genetically: heterosis. Heterosis, also known as hybrid vigor, is defined as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the tendency of a crossbred individual to show qualities superior to those of both parents.â&#x20AC;? With crossbreeding, producers are able to take the best traits from different breeds and combine that into one animal that will outperform the parents.

Feature Story

DIFFERENCES MAKE THEM UNIQUE FROM PUREBRED STOCK Traits There are several traits that wether breeders look for in their stock. First and foremost is muscle. A wether show concentrates on muscle and muscle expression, so a wether style buck must also exhibit those characteristics. Wether style bucks generally carry more muscle than other breeds of bucks. That muscle also needs to be firm to the touch, and not squishy, which indicates fat. Wether style bucks should not be fat. Another trait is for bucks to have what is referred to as a thin, tight hide. What this means is that wether style bucks should not have a lot of excess skin, such as many Boer bucks have. Excess skin can hide muscle expression, and is not valuable to the carcass merit of an animal. A good judge should be able to see expression regardless of skin, but a tight hide makes it much easier, and ultimately, makes the muscle expression more attractive. The neck should also be thicker at the base than at the head as well as strong. It needs to tie smoothly into the shoulders and brisket. The brisket should have muscle, but be clean at the same time. Extra skin or a droopy appearance is not desirable. The brisket should be firm to the touch. The shoulder assembly on a wether style buck is different than that of a seedstock goat as well. Wether style bucks are generally more bell shaped, or triangular, rather than square across the shoulder. The majority of the meat on the shoulder comes in the lower shoulder, which creates that bell or triangle shape. The shoulder is still a valuable cut of meat, so wether style sires should have meat on the shoulders, but the blade should lay in nicely and be smooth on the top. A big blocky shoulder can be seen as more masculine, but not as pretty, and therefore not as desirable for a wether breeder. The forearm is a good indicator of muscling in wethers. A large, prominent forearm indicator of the overall power, or muscling, of the animal.

The most expensive cut of meat from a sheep or goat comes from the rack and loin, and this is where wether style bucks should really excel. The rack should be wide and powerful, and blend smoothly in the shoulders. There should not be any pinching of muscle between the rack and the shoulders, or the rack and the loin. The loin of a wether should be wide, deep and long, and the buck should have that as well. The loin should tie into the rack smoothly, creating an even topline from shoulders to hips. A round ribcage creates more room for the rack and loin, so this is desired as well over a shallow ribcage. The rump of a wether style buck should have plenty of muscle, as well as muscling down the hind legs to the hock and be firm to the touch. Muscle should be prominent on both the inside and the outside of the leg. A wether, and therefore a wether style buck, should be three dimensional with width, depth and length. Width comes from having a bold spring of rib and being open at the heart girth. Depth of body should be a happy medium with decent depth, indicating feeding capacity, but not so deep that it creates waste on the carcass. Length is important because longer goats create leaner carcasses. Attractiveness is important in a wether style buck. They should be pretty, with style and balance. A buck that is smooth instead of blocky has more style, and a buck that has the correct proportions of length, depth and width is balanced. Traits such as horn set on goats, teats and pigment are not major traits in a wether style buck. At the end of the day in a market wether class muscle is the most important, and therefore, is important in a wether style buck.

Structure One area where all bucks need to excel, regardless of breed, is in structure. Even though muscling is the most important aspect of wether production,

9 - The Show Wether

structure is also important, as it relates not only to muscle potential, but also to longevity. Bucks with weak pasterns, legs that are not straight or are narrow, weak backs or open shoulders will not last as long in the breeding herd as one that is structurally correct. These traits will also take away from the ability of a buck to develop muscle. The hocks should be wide set, but not bowed in or out. The front legs should be straight as well. The rump should not be too steep. Structure also relates to how the buck moves. A buck should tract straight when he walks, and not track narrower or wider than he naturally is.

Growth Potential The growth potential of a wether style buck varies greatly from different genetic lines, and the purpose of the wethers he sires. Generally speaking, many top wether lines come from slower growing genetics, at least in goats. The reason for this is because many wethers are shown in multiple shows, and wethers that are fast growing can peak too early or too late, or for a short amount of time. Competitive wethers that are shown for several months need to stay competitive for the entire season. Wethers that peak too early will then lay down fat, which is not desirable. Other lines of wethers are fast growing, especially if they are marketed as only for a specific show, such as a county fair or a national show. For example, some counties requires wethers to be born no earlier than January 1 for a late summer show, such as many county fairs held in late July or early August. A January wether would only be six, maybe seven months old at this show, and therefore would need faster growing genetics. Purchasing a wether style buck When purchasing a wether style buck, ideally buyers should look at the buck when he is 7-10 months old, as that is the ideal age for a wether. What a buck looks like at that age is a good indicator of what his wethers will look like. If a buck is purchased earlier than that, a photo of the buckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sire should be evaluated. If a buck is purchased older than 10 months, the buyer should ask for a photo of the buck at a younger ago.

10 - The Show Wether

A wether style buck should meet all the needs of the buyer, which will vary from herd to herd. If a buyer needs to bring more muscle to the herd, a heavy muscled buck should be purchased. Each buyer should have a set of characteristics he or she wants to improve on, and select a buck that meets those traits. There are some wether style bucks that have brought tremendous prices. Many of these bucks are superior in several different traits. The more traits a buck can excel in, generally the higher his price will be. Seedstock breeders may not understand why someone would pay so much for an unregistered wether style buck, but if that buck can make a big impact and the buyer is in the market to breed wethers, to the buyer, the price is worth it. It is no different than in the seedstock industry. Wether style bucks combine the best of many different breeds through heterosis, to produce wethers that will compete both in the ring and on the rail, making them incredibly unique.

The Supreme Wether Sire at the 2015 Midwest Stud Ram Sale brought $40,000 - showing that high demand results in a high price. Photo courtesy of MWSRS.

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Article

KEEPING WETHERS HEALTHY IN HOT WEATHER Summer can be a hard time for livestock, as heat can put a lot of stress on a wether. With many county and state fairs held at the end of the summer, keeping wethers healthy during the summer months is of upmost importance. Keeping fresh, clean water available at all times is the first key to keeping wethers healthy. Tanks should be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid algae buildup and debris in the water. Sheep and goats have a tendency to defecate in their water if it is placed on the ground, so keeping water buckets higher on the fence can help prevent this. If manure gets in the water, they will not want to drink it. Wethers that aren’t drinking water won’t eat, and if they aren’t eating, they won’t gain weight. Water consumption can be encouraged by adding electrolytes, and keeping water in the shade to keep it cooler. Keeping water in the shade will also help keep down the algae. Water is also important to keep the urinary tract healthy for a wether. Urinary calculi happens when a

stone forms in the urinary tract, and then blocks the urethra, making urination difficult and painful. If a wether is not drinking enough water, this is a risk. Dehydration is a real issue, and wethers can be checked for dehydration by using the pinch test. Skin should be pinched on the neck, in front of the shoulder, using the forefinger and thumb. If the skin snaps back to place quickly, the wethers is properly hydrated. A dehydrated animal’s skin will remain tented or be slow to go back to normal. A wether that is dehydrated needs to be encouraged to drink water at once. If electrolytes are not in the water, they can be added. Changing the water frequently to keep it cool can help encourage the wether to drink as well. Adding salt to the diet will cause the animal to consume more water as well. Wethers can get hot in the summer, so they should always have access to shelter, which will provide shade. Shelters do not need to be complicated. Huts, calf hutches , or polydomes can be used, as well as run in sheds and barns. A clean, cool area to lie down will help wethers to stay cool during hot days. Fans can also help to keep a wether cool. Keeping goats cool will aid in weight gain and overall health of the wether. If wethers are kept in a barn, clean facilities and proper ventilation are a must. Ammonia from urine can build up in an enclosed area, making is hard for wethers to breath. Ammonia builds up faster in the heat, so bedding should be changed frequently, and doors and windows should be opened, or fans should be put up, to circulate the air. Clean bedding will also help keep a wether healthy. Dirty bedding can lead to foot problems, respiratory illness or skin sores, all of which will affect a wether in the show ring.

Water troughs that are low to the ground and in direct sunlight can collect debris and algae, making the water unappetizing to drink. 12 - The Show Wether

Keeping wethers clipped will also help them to keep cooler, especially for sheep, who can have long wool.

MAKES A DIFFERENCE COME SHOW TIME By Robyn Scherer, M.Agr.

Wethers can be cooled down using a hose or sprayer, starting with spraying the legs and moving up to the body. They should never be sprayed directly with cold water, as it can shock their system. Some wethers like this, others do not.

Panting, rapid breathing, elevated temperature, weakness and an inability to stand are all signs of heat stress. Heat stressed animals should be moved to shade immediately, and offered water. Cooling the animal down is very important.

A mister can also help to keep wethers cool. Misters should be placed high enough to not soak the ground and out of reach for chewing, but low enough to reach the wether.

Heat stress can also make an animal more susceptible to illness, including pneumonia and parasites.

Exercise is an important part to every wether program, and summer can make this program a little more challenging. Wethers should be exercised in the early morning hours, or just before sunset, to avoid the heat of the day. Wethers should not be exercised in the middle of the day, as it can lead to added stress, potentially causing heat stress.

When transporting to shows, the time of the day is also important. If possible, wethers should be transported in the early morning or late afternoon, again avoiding the heat of the day. Production goes down in hot weather, and growth rates are generally reduced. Keeping wethers healthy in the hot months will make a big difference come show time.

13 - The Show Wether

Judge Q&A

Q&A WITH MIDWEST STUD RAM SALE WETHER SIRE AND DAM JUDGE - KELLY BRUNS: NORTH PLATTE, NEBRASKA How do you determine which animal will be your champion when it comes to your top picks? I like to select champions that are balanced in many traits and are fault free. I have seen many sheep that are becoming short made, thus for me I try to emphasis the added advantage of length, and cleanness of chest and front. Do you judge sires and dams differently, and if so, how? I believe in any species that sires should be judged differently than dams. While sires can have more of a terminal characteristics that fit a market wether, dams should have those characteristics we would value in a female. I often see dams that resemble a sire and are not feminine. For me femininity and structural correctness with an adequate amount of muscle is important.

Kelly Bruns, North Platte, Neb., is the Associate Director for the West Central Research and Extension Center for the University of Nebraska.

What is your background in the sheep industry? I grew up with a small flock of Hampshire ewes we used to produce club lambs for me to show. My boys have a small flock of Southdown ewes that they use to generate show ewes and wethers. How long have you been judging sheep, and why did you get into it? As a judging team coach I have judged many county fairs and enjoyed it. I have been fortunate to have exceptional students who placed and gave reasons to some top evaluators in the county enabling me to be invited to judge some top shows in the country. What is the most important quality to you when evaluating wether type sires and dams, and why? For me structural correctness is the most important quality when evaluating any type of livestock. I then believe that an animal needs to be proportionate and not extreme in any one area. Since the primary focus of wether type sires and dams is to produce market wethers those characteristics that make good carcasses such has muscle and length become important. 14 - The Show Wether

What is the biggest difference in your opinion between wether type sheep and purebred sheep? I believe fads that are started by judges or by breeders promoting a specific type of sheep has kept the two industries from coming together. I believe that there are many leading breeders that are breeding sheep that would work well for wethers, as purebreds and for the commercial industry. Identifying those breeders for judges may help both industries come closer together. What did it mean to you to judge the wether type sire and dam shows? It was an honor to be asked to judge the show. The Midwest Ram Sale is known for its quality and for the number of breeders and buyers that attend. What is it about the Sedalia show that you enjoy? Certainly the opportunity to see and evaluate sheep from different breeders and see the direction their programs are going. Which was the hardest show to judge, and why? The challenge with judging shows and sales is that there are many different kinds of sheep breeders are bringing as they know there will be buyers looking for different needs. Differences in type in quality sheep make it hard to establish a common selection patter. The other aspect that is hard is effectively evaluating maturity relative to age. Maybe the show committee should consider showing them by weight rather than age. This would allow the judge to more effectively evaluate the maturity pattern of the class.

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The Show Wether - 15

In This Issue: Midwest stud ram sale all*american buckle & banner show rocky mountain JR. show series finale pacific international california state fair

16 - The Show Wether

June 22-27, 2015

Midwest Stud Ram Sale

Sedalia, MO

Wether Sire & Dam Shows JUDGE: KELLY BRUNS

S up re m e C h a m p i o n We th e r Si re Gra nd C ha m p i o n H a m ps h i re We th e r Si re E xhi b i te d by Wi l l i a m s Sh ow L a m b s

R eser ve Sup rem e Cham p i o n Wet he r Da m Grand C ham p io n Ham p shi re Wet he r Da m Ex hi b i ted by Shroyer Show Sto ck

R e se r ve S upre m e C h a m pi o n We th e r Si re Gra nd C ha m pi o n Cro s s b re d We th e r Si re E x hi b i te d by E l l e r b ro ck C l u b L a m bs

Sup rem e Cham p i o n Wet her Dam Grand C ham p io n Cro ssb red Wet her Dam Ex hib i ted by Allen Show L am bs The Show Wether - 17

Gra nd C ha m p i o n D o rs e t We th e r Si re E xhi b i te d by Sl a ck C l u b L a m bs

Grand Cham p i o n D o r set Wet her Da m Ex hib i ted by Slac k Club L am bs

G ra nd C ha m p i o n Sh ro ps h i re We th e r Si re E xhi b i te d by Sl a ck C l u b L a m bs

Grand Cham p i o n Shro p shire Wet he r Dam Ex hib i ted by Slac k Club L am bs

Gra nd C ham p i o n Su ffo l k We th e r Si re E xhi b i te d by Wi l l i a m s Sh ow L a m b s

Grand C ham p io n Suf fo lk Wet her Dam Ex hib i ted by Slac k Club L am bs

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G ra nd C ha mp i o n N atu ra l Co l o re d We th e r Sire E xhi b i te d by Jo h n s o n Fa m i l y Sh ow Sto ck

Grand C ham p io n Nat ural Co lo red Wether Da m Ex hi b i ted by R ule Sheep Co m p any

2015 Midwest Stud Ram Sale WS/WD Prices

G ra nd C h a m p i o n C l u b L a m b E xhi b i te d by S o u th e r n Pl a i n s G e n e ti cs

Division Hampshire Wether Sire Hampshire Wether Dam Crossbred Wether Sire Crossbred Wether Dam Dorset Wether Sire Dorset Wether Dam Shropshire Wether Sire Shropshire Wether Dam Suffolk Wether Sire Suffolk Wether Dam Natural Colored Wether Sire Natural Colored Wether Dam Speckle-Faced Wether Sire Speckle-Faced Wether Dam Club Lambs

Exhibitor Williams Show Lambs Shroyer Show Stock Ellerbrock Club Lambs Allen Show Lambs Slack Club Lambs Slack Club Lambs Slack Club Lambs Slack Club Lambs Williams Show Lambs Slack Club Lambs Johnson Family Show Stock Rule Sheep Company Slack Club Lambs Slack Club Lambs Southern Plains Genetics

Classification Crossbred WS/WD Dorset WS/WD Hampshire WS/WD Natural Colored WS/WD Shropshire WS/WD Speckle-Faced WS/WD Suffolk WS/WD Club Lambs Sale Price $40,000 $7,000 $8,000 $11,000 $2,500 $2,000 $2,500 $900 $4,000 $3,250 $1,200 $1,900 $400 $800 $2,600

# Lots Total 116 $209,400

Average $1,805.17

$99,950

$1,052.11

273

$633,875

$2,321.89

$36,625

$763.02

45 19

$29,650 $8,450

$658.89 $444.74

48 28

$51,900 $19,950

$1,081.25 $712.50

Buyer Larry DeSpain - OK Angel-Small Club Lambs - OH Dustin Rookstool - KS Rule Sheep Company - IA Cox Brothers & Paige Teeters Dorse - OH Mayo Club Lambs - CA Hal Schuman - IN Andi Belt - MO Rodney Thompson - MN William and Elizabeth MacCauley - PA Shaffner Club Lambs - IL Tyler Dietz - CA Erin Israel - FL Aaron Jennings - IN Haws Club Lambs - TX The Show Wether - 19

All*American Buck le and Banner Show

May 16, 2015

Loveland, CO

Market Lamb & Goat Shows JUDGE: CURTIS DUBIT

G ra nd C h a m pi o n M a r k e t L a m b An d re a M a n e o ti s

R eser ve Grand Cham p i o n M ar ket Lamb Cai t ly n Ander so n

G ra nd C h a m pi o n M a r k e t G o at Syd n e y B at y

R eser ve Grand Cham p i o n M ar ket G oat Andrea M aneo t i s

20 - The Show Wether

Rock y Mountain Junior Show Series Finale

July 24-25, 2015

Heber City, UT

Market Lamb & Goat Shows JUDGE: TRAVIS HOFFMAN

G ra nd C h a m pi o n M a r k e t G o at M a re n B oye ro n

R eser ve Grand Cham p i o n M ar ket G oat J asto n Wi llo ughby

G ra nd C h a m pi o n M a r k e t L a m b Co r i a n n e M a n g e l s o n

R eser ve Grand Cham p i o n M ar ket Lamb Haygen K o gi anes

The Show Wether - 21

June 27, 2015

Pacific International

Prineville, OR

Jackpot Lamb Show JUDGE: CRAIG BECKMIER

Gra nd C h a m pi o n Ja ck p o t L a m b M o rg a n K i s e r

R ese r ve C ha mp i on Ja ck po t L a m b H e at he r M a e 22 - The Show Wether

Grand Cham p i o n Wet her Dam M o rgan K i ser

C h a m pi o n L ight wei ght Wet her Dam M o rgan K i ser

Cham p i o n Year ling Wether Da m J essi c a J uvi nall

June 26, 2015

Pacific International

Prineville, OR

Jackpot Goat Show JUDGE: CRAIG BECKMIER

Gra nd C ha mp i on Ja ck po t G o at J e ssi c a S i m ps o n

R e s e r ve Cham p i o n J ac k p o t G o at M egan Alb er s

Grand C ham p io n B re eding D oe Em i ly Tay lor

The Show Wether - 23

July 12, 2015

California State Fair

Sacramento, CA

Market Lamb Show JUDGE: MILES GIBBS

G ra nd C h a m pi o n M a r k e t L a m b G ra nd C h a m pi o n 4 - H M a r k e t L a m b M a g gi e M a d d e n

R eser ve Grand Cham p i o n M ar ket Lamb Grand Cham p i o n F FA M ar ket L amb Ty ler Wilker so n

Grand Champion Jr. Wether Dam & Reser ve Jr. Supreme Ewe K a i tl y n M cD o n o u g h

Grand C ham p io n J r. Wet her Sire & J r. Su preme R a m Ty ler Diet z

24 - The Show Wether

Photos Courtesy of Show Photos by Katina

Grand Champion 4-H & FFA All O ther White Face Market Lamb Ab by B i a n ch i

Grand Cham p i o n 4- H & F FA S o ut hdown M a r ket La mb M o rgan K i ser

Champion Cross & Reser ve Grand Champion 4-H Market Lamb Syd n e y Ed wa rd s

C ham p io n Cro ss & Grand C ham p io n F FA M a r ket Lamb Ty ler Wilker so n

Champion Hampshire & Grand Champion 4-H M ar ket Lamb M a g gi e M a d d e n

Champion Hampshire & Reser ve Champion FFA Market Lamb S arah B ay neÂ

Photos Courtesy of Show Photos by Katina

The Show Wether - 25

Grand Champion 4-H Natural Colored M ar ket Lamb O we n C l a r k

Grand Champion FFA Natural Colored M ar ket Lamb M o rgan K i ser

Grand Champion 4-H Suffolk M ar ket Lamb O we n C l a r k

Grand Champion FFA Suffolk M ar ket Lamb N ic ko las Henr y

Gran d C ha mp i on 4- H & FFA Spe ck l e Fa ce M a r k e t L am b K ath e r i n e B ay n e

Reser ve Grand Champion 4-H & FFA Speck le Face Market Lamb Ty ler Wilker so n

26 - The Show Wether

Photos Courtesy of Show Photos by Katina

California State Fair

July 12, 2015

Sacramento, CA

Market Goat Show JUDGE: MARVIN ENSOR

G ra nd C h a m pi o n M a r k e t G o at Gra nd C h a m pi o n FFA M a r k e t G o at C l ay to n S a rd e l l a

R eser ve C ha mp i on 4 - H M a r k e t G o at Cour t ne y Ca s te l l o Photos Courtesy of Show Photos by Katina

R eser ve Grand Cham p i o n M ar ket G oat Grand C ham p io n 4- H M ar ket G oat Alex is Cano

R e s e r ve C ham p io n F FA M ar ket G o at Eleano r Cum m i ng

Grand C ham p io n Wether Da m D oe Er i n J o hnson The Show Wether - 27

28 - The Show Wether