OF DIRECTORS USSA’s Digital Suffolk system online by computer or on the go by phone. Digital Suffolk allows us to analyze pedigrees, plan matings, search bloodlines, consign sheep to national sales, connect with customers and prospects, and quickly register and transfer sheep sold. It’s a tremendous time saver. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE USSA AND FOR THE SUFFOLK BREED?
I was in middle school in the 1980s. I graduated high school, went to college, worked in my career, then in 2013, bought the farm next door to my parents, and bought the family flock from my brother, and got back into registered Suffolks. WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO RAISE AND REGISTER SUFFOLKS WITH USSA? For us, Suffolks were the first sheep that we had in our family, so there is that nostalgic, sentimental reason why. We keep on with the Suffolks because of their value as a terminal sire and meat breed. We keep registering with USSA because I believe that USSA is a benefit to all breeders of any size or flock goal, especially with all the support that the Association offers. WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IN RAISING SUFFOLKS AND WHY? For us, we look for equipment that will help us with time efficiency and reduce labor time and expense. Sydell lambing jugs and self-feeders. In our system, the Sydell lambing jugs have really helped us with lamb mortality rates, and after lambing season we can break them down and get them out of the way to clean the barn. Self-feeders have really reduced our daily feeding times. I am currently testing an Advantage self-feeder that controls the amount of feed the sheep (both lambs and adults – in appropriate amounts for each) can consume in one day. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT SERVING ON THE USSA BOARD? Meeting people all across the country who are very passionate about the sheep they raise. I also enjoy seeing and hearing continued>> 65
We’re intentionally investing in building the next generation of Suffolk industry leaders and breeders through the UJSSA thanks to the support of the USSA and the United Suffolk Sheep Foundation, and that’s exciting. As terminal sires Suffolks set the pace for the industry. Suffolks produce bigger, heavier, leaner carcasses in less time on feed, yielding more red meat. When emphasized, those are important factors that will continue to pave the way for future growth of the breed. Suffolks add real value to all types of sheep operations from purebred to commercial flocks, range, and hair sheep operations. With the genetic tools we have available today, it’s possible to make each generation out produce ones before it, and that’s real progress that adds real value to the bottom line of any sheep operation. Today’s Suffolks are some of the best genetically in my lifetime, and I believe the best is yet to come. Ed and I are grateful to be raising Suffolks in this positive era of growth and renewed interest in the Suffolk breed.
From a physical equipment standpoint, it’s our nimble skid loader that makes cleaning out barns, lots and moving things so much faster and easier. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT SERVING ON THE USSA BOARD? Getting to know and serve with others dedicated to the breed, and encouraging young people to raise Suffolks. We’re a working board. We meet often. Our directors devote their time and talents to advance the breed and to support our dedicated Executive Secretary, Amanda Everts, and our UJSSA members. As Chair of USSA’s Marketing and Outreach Committee, our team from across the USA works together to communicate the value Suffolks provide in all types of flocks. We also promote why it’s important to get involved in USSA, UJSSA and The Suffolk Event, to experience all our associations have to offer for veteran producers as well as those just getting started. Creating content for our USSA Member Monday feature on Facebook @United Suffolk Sheep Association has been a good way to learn more about and showcase Suffolk breeders and their operations across the USA. It’s rewarding to work with and learn from others in promoting the value of Suffolks.
JOHN SCOTT, CANNON RIVER SUFFOLKS KILKENNY, MINNESOTA • WEST DISTRICT HOW LONG HAVE YOU RAISED SUFFOLKS AND HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START? Our family started raising Suffolks when
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