USSA Meet your Board
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE USSA AND FOR THE SUFFOLK BREED ? The sky’s the limit for Suffolks. Rams are in big demand. We need to continually set goals for our members to be producing functional Suffolks that fit into the commercial sheep industry.
and grill. They can be easy care and low maintenance and lambing ease with reasonable shearing needs. They also look attractive in the pasture and can be a credible 4-H/FFA projects for our youth. WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IN RAISING SUFFOLKS AND WHY? Probably my curved hoof trimmers; takes care of hooves and also cuts bale twine. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT SERVING ON THE USSA BOARD? Opportunity to get to work with my fellow Suffolk breeders and be a steward of the breed as we look to grow and expand now while setting ourselves up for success later. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE USSA AND FOR THE SUFFOLK BREED? Suffolks have a lot to offer the sheep industry in many end markets and to no surprise, we have been privileged with a lot of new members/interest. Being intentional in supporting these folks with both a network/community and the resources to be successful while they get off and running is critical to our short and long-term success and helping us get our message out. We have many up-and-coming newer/ less well-known members who are doing great things and setting good examples for our youth/new members to come for what is possible. Platforming them to drive our breed’s/association’s growth will be crucial to setting the breed and the USSA up for continued and future success.
CAROL HEUPEL, HEUPEL FARMS, WELDONA, COLORADO • WEST DISTRICT HOW LONG HAVE YOU RAISED SUFFOLKS AND HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START? I got my first two lambs on October 1, 1974. I was a freshman in high school. We had a school farm in the middle of subdivisions in Southern California. I have had sheep continually since then- so almost 52 years. WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO RAISE AND REGISTER SUFFOLKS WITH USSA? I believe in keeping track of our genetics. My father-in-law started raising Suffolks in 1958 and it was always important to hear how the sheep tracked back to those ewes he started with, or specific special rams over time. With my husband and my flock it’s the same – its history. WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IN RAISING SUFFOLKS AND WHY? We used our Ketchum chute this morning to bleed yearling rams for an upcoming ram sale. I would say that piece of equipment was very handy today. Much better than catching them in a pen and having to manhandle them. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT SERVING ON THE USSA BOARD? I most like working with the other board members and with our Executive Secretary Amanda Everts (they are all so talented and smart!). I look forward to seeing them and our members at the upcoming sales and events this year.
KATHY KRAFKA HARKEMA, KRAFKA HARKEMA SUFFOLKS MONTEZUMA, IOWA • WEST DISTRICT HOW LONG HAVE YOU RAISED SUFFOLKS AND HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START? I’ve raised Suffolks since before my 4-H and FFA days and throughout adulthood. WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO RAISE AND REGISTER SUFFOLKS WITH USSA? It’s our life’s work, and many of our best friends and memories are connected with raising Suffolks. My husband, Ed, and I met at a sheep show. We still enjoy raising, showing and marketing our Krafka Harkema Suffolks today. We enjoy seeing our flock’s genetics perform well for others, too. USSA has done a great job in using technology to offer year-round virtual experiences like online sales, webinars and meetings, as well as in hosting outstanding in-person experiences like the National Suffolk Sale and The Event. WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IN RAISING SUFFOLKS AND WHY? From a records standpoint, it’s using
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