meet your Junior Board
HOW DID YOU ORIGINALLY GET EXPOSED TO SUFFOLK SHEEP? I was born into raising Suffolk sheep, and it has been a part of my life forever. WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES RELATED TO SUFFOLK SHEEP? I do not think I have one specific memory because there are too many, but one consistent memory that pops into my head is spending my Christmas break lambing ewes with my dad. WHY WERE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE UJSSA BOARD? I wanted to be able to be a mentor to young Suffolk enthusiasts just like I had growing up. WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH A NEW JUNIOR MEMBER? Do not be scared to ask for help, there are so many great people in this breed that just want younger members to have the experience they did. They also recognize the value that being a part of an association has on the younger generation. OUTSIDE OF SUFFOLK SHEEP, WHAT OTHER ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? I serve on the Executive Committee for Little International at SDSU, the Prexy Council Representative for Block and Bridle at SDSU, and the Treasurer for the Lamb and Wool club on campus. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SHEEP “JOB”? Bedding pens with fresh corn stalks! WHAT IS ONE THING SOMEONE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I am terrified of all birds! IF YOU COULD INVENT SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE OR DO? I would invent a machine that allows me to be in more than one location at a time! Raesa Zelinsky BROOKINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA
WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH A NEW JUNIOR MEMBER? Raise the type of livestock that keeps you excited about your program. The Suffolk industry is one of diversity. Put the sheep in your barn that will keep you interested, motivated and excited to go to the barn. Grow the kind you like! OUTSIDE OF SUFFOLK SHEEP, WHAT OTHER ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? The Lewis family is a very fast-paced machine. Our home serves as a placement for Foster children that need a great place to grow and develop. I am a 26- year Animal Science instructor and FFA Advisor. Our school operates a livestock program and working grooming facility for companion animals. I enjoy judging livestock shows on a local, state and national level. I am interested in value- added meats and love the look of a well-made charcuterie board. Besides traveling for sheep shows, I attend basketball, volleyball and football games to support my children. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SHEEP “JOB”? Nothing gets me going more than to walk to the lambing barn. I listen for new lamb sounds. I like seeing the steam roll off the back of a newborn lamb, and the smell of a crisp morning, fresh straw and second cutting alfalfa hay. WHAT IS ONE THING SOMEONE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I’ve traveled the East Coast as a baseball umpire for 26 years. Some ask, what makes you a great umpire? It goes back to livestock judging as a 4-Her. Judgment is an important skill that serves you well throughout life. I learned the foundation of a standard for evaluation of livestock and developed my own judgement. As an umpire, I have applied the same principles of learning the rules of the sport, and coated it with a thorough layer of judgement. decorate ENTRY DEADLINE: JUNE 1, 2025 Unity! LIKE AND FOLLOW THE UJSSA FACEBOOK PAGE TO PARTICIPATE! 1. Must be a current UJSSA member 2. Only one entry per UJSSA member 3. Unity design page posted at www.suffolks.org “Youth” – “UJSSA” 4. Color/decorate/design Unity 5. Entry Submission a. Take a photo and upload your Unity page to the pinned contest post on the UJSSA Facebook page – BE SURE TO INCLUDE UJSSA MEMBER NAME & STATE. b. Email your Unity page to juniors@suffolks.org, along
Isaac Lewis ROMNEY, WEST VIRGINIA UJSSA JUNIOR COORDINATOR
HOW DID YOU ORIGINALLY GET EXPOSED TO SUFFOLK SHEEP? My first market lamb came from my great uncle Herbert Long who worked a flock of 100 Suffolk ewes. As my interest expanded, we purchased black-faced Suffolk ewes to produce our own lambs. At that point, my appreciation for the majestic look of a fitted yearling Suffolk ewe began. We studied pedigrees and explored club lambs. We eventually went to all Suffolk rams on our ewes and had success on the rail and in the show ring. To pay for college, I established a lamb carcass market into the Washington DC area. In 2020, my son wanted more than just showing market lambs, and our love for Suffolk sheep was renewed. Grandin has now built the flock to 15 productive and balanced Suffolk ewes. Showing has allowed us to interact with so many great producers from all aspects of the Suffolk breed. What better way to raise your children than to be surrounded by people who are so passionate about what they do? WHY WERE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING AS THE SUFFOLK JUNIOR COORDINATOR? John Wooden Hall of Fame Coach from UCLA said it best when he said, “Never try to be better than someone else. Learn from others and try to be the best you can be, for success is the by-product of that preparation!” The United Suffolk Sheep Association and its supporting organizations have the infinite potential to affect the individual success of youth involved with Suffolk sheep. The opportunities make wanting to be involved in this organization an easy decision. When considering all the Suffolk breed offers to youth, it was a solid choice for my family. With the foresight of the Suffolk Event, the record keeping of the Digital Suffolk platform, and the exploding youth opportunities afforded through the USSA Foundation, all are industry leading. I am excited to work with our junior members to expand the youth components of the Suffolk breed. Future competitions in the culinary and skill-based aspects of Suffolk sheep and lamb make it a great time to be involved. I appreciate the openness of so many to offer programs that will further unite Suffolk youth on a national level. It is great and prosperous time to be involved in the Suffolk breed.
with UJSSA member name and state. The UJSSA will post your submission to the social media thread. 6. Up to 5 winners will be selected, Amazon gift cards will be awarded.
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