OF DIRECTORS
directors and association members who have a shared vision to advance the Suffolk breed. WHAT YOU SEE AS FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE USSA AND FOR THE SUFFOLK BREED? Opportunities exist through the promotion of the economic benefits of using the Suffolk sire to other sheep producers who have commercial ewe flocks and/or other purebred ewe flocks primarily known for their maternal traits.
cost. All of which not only benefit Suffolk breeders but the commercial flocks so many of our rams and ewes end up in. There is a large and growing demand for some of the more moderate Suffolks to cover the growing commercial hair sheep flocks and improve their carcasses.
to wait for blood tests to confirm pregnancy; my ultrasound allows me to make calls on ewes early. WHAT YOU SEE AS FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE USSA AND FOR THE SUFFOLK BREED? Future opportunities for the Suffolk breed and the USSA lie in our ability to promote this breed as multi-purpose and market its potential to improve herds. It is essential to promote Suffolks as fast growing and hardy while highlighting their ability to raise lambs. They not only have exceptional carcass quality but can also improve a herd in average daily gain with size and stature. I also believe we have opportunities in safeguarding the gene quality of the Suffolk breed. Ensuring we continue to keep genetic disorders out of this breed is essential for longevity. JOHN BAGLIEN SUFFOLKS JEFFERSON, OREGON • WEST DISTRICT HOW LONG HAVE YOU RAISED SUFFOLKS AND HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START? 26 years and counting. Two ewes and a ram from Brenda Miller as a 10-year-old 4-H’er. WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO RAISE AND REGISTER SUFFOLKS WITH USSA? Suffolks are an excellent and practical meat sheep. They can drive unmatched carcass quality for commercial programs and plate coverage yield for the table
DENNIS SORENSEN, SORENSEN SUFFOLKS CHEBANSE, ILLINOIS • EAST DISTRICT HOW LONG HAVE YOU RAISED SUFFOLKS AND HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START? I’ve been raising Suffolks since I started in 4-H, approximately 60 years ago. My first few Suffolks came from three longtime Illinois breeders: Schoolman Suffolks, Birkey Suffolks, and Rosenboom Suffolks. WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO RAISE AND REGISTER SUFFOLKS WITH USSA? The United Suffolk Sheep Association is so much more than a registry office. I know of no other sheep association with as many junior and senior member benefits as the USSA. WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IN RAISING SUFFOLKS AND WHY? Barn cameras! They ended unnecessary trips to the barn to check for lambs. So easy to check the monitor and go back to bed. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT SERVING ON THE USSA BOARD? It provides me with the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team of
VICTORIA J. MORRIS, THISTLE RIDGE SUFFOLKS
WHITESBURG, TENNESSEE • EAST DISTRICT HOW LONG HAVE YOU RAISED SUFFOLKS AND HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START? My husband and I have been raising Suffolks for the past six years, but I have been involved in raising sheep my entire life. We started raising Suffolks as we wanted a fast-growing, easily marketable breed of good size that we could also show locally. WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO RAISE AND REGISTER SUFFOLKS WITH USSA? We continue to raise and register Suffolks because they are a highly sought after breed due to their quality meat and show ring presence. WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IN RAISING SUFFOLKS AND WHY? One piece of equipment I can not live without: My ultrasound! I’m too impatient
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