CHALLENGING TRADITIONS, A SHEEP RANCHER’S HERITAGE BY HEIDI CRNKOVIC Pictured above from Left to Right: Tripp & Jennifer Corn; Craig, Conner, Courtney, Jessica & Creed Cowden; Jennifer & Mike Corn; Barbara, Madison, Garrett and Bronson Corn.
“Do you know what is the greatest threat to the sheep industry?” Mike Corn asks from a seat in the building that houses Roswell Wool, the largest wool marketing firm in the United States. “Tradition.” Although keeping New Mexico’s sheep heritage alive has been one of Mike Corn’s passions, what has kept the Corn family at the forefront of the sheep and wool industry is a willingness to consistently challenge traditions with a combination of innovative business practices and classic techniques. The family began their Westward trek in 1841, finally settling in the area that is now Roswell in 1878. Surviving Comanche, Kiowa and Apache raids and the Civil War, PG. 18 :: SUMMER 2019
the family eventually settled in the greater Roswell area, establishing irrigation systems, raising alfalfa and apple trees as well as sheep and cattle. While the Roswell area has seen a 90% decline in sheep populations, the Corn family now owns 40% of the sheep in the area. An unwavering dedication to the sheep business for nearly 140 years sees the 6th generation still working the original ranch headquarters. Mike and his wife Jennifer’s have three children and their son Bronson and his wife Barbara live and work on the family ranch with their son Garrett and daughter, Madison. As ranch numbers declined, sheep predation significantly impacted sheep numbers during
the 20th century. In order to combat predation, many ranchers turned to guardian dogs. Mike has drastically decreased sheep predation through the use of a number of Akbash cross dogs that he now raises to protect his sheep. He has found that in order to effectively guard his flock, a greater number of dogs than the industry standard has been necessary to diminish coyote predation. Another integral factor in their success has been the use of a higher intensity grazing programs similar to the Savory method that allows larger numbers of sheep to graze in fenced areas for shorter periods of time. The Corn family also utilizes a herdsman to bed down ewes at night, yet another strategy that protects their livestock,
