Season’s greeting from Sandwich, IL! November flew by and December is doing the same thing. The North American International livestock Show was another awesome event. If that show gets any bigger they are going to have to do something to maintain the quality activity that is synonymous with the history of that show. It is a great show and everyone wants to be a part of it. Honor Show Chow helped to put a lot folks in the winner’s circle at NAILE. The Supreme Champion Ewe at the 2011 NAILE was bred and exhibited by Ram and Ewe Farm, Jeremy and Jamie Etzler, OH. Jeremy had called me about six weeks prior to the show looking for suggestions to help getting this Dorset ewe looking her best. High Octane Fitter 35 was the prescription and the results speak for themselves. Congrats to Jeremy and Jamie Etzler on their success. There were a host of talented breeders and feeders taking advantage of the tools that Honor Show Chow and High Octane have available. It just makes sense.

I still have some Christmas shopping to do. If you are looking for that last minute Christmas gifts for that livestock addicted friend or family member hear are few suggestions:

• An Honor Show Chow Show Lamb DVD

• A Sullivan Show Supply Gift Certificate

• A Weaver Leather Show blanket

• New Andis clippers with a blocking blade

I know, how about a new Cimarron Trailer! Just FYI, if you are still looking for something for your favorite HSC Ambassador, anything on that list will be sure to make them smile.

Lambing Season is just around the corner for many people. We should be starting at A&M Ranch in late January. We have been using the HSC Ewe Pellet to feed our ewes during late gestation for several years now. It works very well, and isn’t much more expensive than corn. It is a more complete feed and now it comes with CTC to help prevent late term abortions. We have also been in contact with our local Purina dealer to make sure they will have plenty of the NEW HSC Showlamb Creep Pellet DX when we need it. This new creep is 20% cp and 5% fat and even more palatable than ever. We tried a little of the new creep late last year and it worked well. KGB (aka. The feedguy) told me he was making some changes to Show Lamb Starter and I said, “Just don’t screw it up, it is working great.” He didn’t and I am making sure that my local dealer will have it in stock when the lambs arrive.

I have been booking several clinics and workshops for 2012. I have events scheduled for 2012 in PA, MO, IL, TX and IN. Keep checking the Events Calendar to find the Honor Show Chow event nearest you. More are being added all the time. Recently, all of the Honor Show Ambassadors had a chance to get together. They are a great bunch of people that I am proud to work with.

From Amy, Emily and myself, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

PS- Congrats to the Big 12 Champion Oklahoma State Cowboys! GO POKES!

“It’s all about the brand.” I get reminded of that sometimes in what seems to be the most unlikely places. One of my vices is college sports. More specifically, “all things OSU, Oklahoma State or Ohio State.”

The first weekend in October I went to the “Shoe” in Columbus with Kyle. My family makes this pilgrimage to the banks of the Olentangy several times each fall. We always arrive early. We always park at the Animal Science building. We tailgate with George and Al. We go to the Skull Session and sit with Williams girls. It is an awesome experience I wish you all could share. However, this trip gave us something new.

The day was cold, overcast and rainy. I put on my scarlet and gray wash suit. The wash suit I use when I wash sheep and cattle. Kyle wasn’t quite as prepared for the “fowl” weather. Naturally, I was prepared with an extra jacket in my truck. I let Kyle borrow my black Honor Show Chow all weather coat. Soon an interesting couple pulled into the parking spot next to us in the parking lot at the Animal Science building. The guy driving had BIG scarlet and gray hair, scarlet and gray face paint, and a big red OSU jersey with name “Buckeyeman” on the chest. There we were, face to face with a Buckeye legend, “The Buckeyeman.” Naturally, I wanted to get our picture for our Facebook page. He and his wife were very gracious, and obliged.

The Buckeyeman then commented, “That Honor Show Chow is really good feed.” I was kind of like, excuse me. He says again, “That Honor Show Chow works really well. I judge a lot of poultry shows and that Honor Show Chow feed is the best. It is amazing how many of the winners are feeding it.” Buckeyeman then points to the HSC logo on Kyle’s coat. Here we are on Saturday morning in Columbus, Ohio, tailgating at the Shoe, talking Honor Show Chow feeds with guy with scarlet and gray face paint and BIG scarlet and gray hair. That is what I call brand recognition.

The Buckeyeman is a retired Ag educator from Urbana, OH named Larry Lokal. Larry is a popular poultry judge having judged 28 shows so far in 2011. He also enjoys helping kids, including his grandkids, learn more about raising and showing chickens. Kyle and I sure enjoyed the opportunity to visit with Larry and his wife.

Kyle was very impressed that the HSC logo carried so much weight. I said, “No big deal, it happens all the time. It’s an HonorShowChow thing.”

Wow! Where has the summer gone? It is the opening weekend for pro football and the colleges just finished up their second week of the schedule. Here in Sandwich, IL we just finished up the last fair of the summer. The summer show circuit has come to end for most of the folks in this area.

The summer show season around here kicks off the 4th of July weekend. Many folks from the Midwest made the long trip out to Delaware for the All-American Jr Show. Whitney Kessinger exhibited the Champion Southdown wether on one of our A&M lambs (sired by Grand Theft). She chose to keep that lamb on Honor Show Chow and the results speak for themselves. Congrats to Whitney and all of the other Honor Show Chow fed winners at the All American. Honor show Chow was one of the sponsors of this impressive event that next year will be held in Des Moines, Iowa and it promises to be HUGE!

The County fair circuit cranks up full force in the Midwest in July and August. We have had a lot of fun working with friends and helping new folks enjoy the family fun of showing livestock and enjoying some success. Clifton McClintock has had good summer in WI showing his Southdowns, including Premier exhibitor at the State Fair Jr Show. Jaylen Heron exhibited her first Grand Champion Lamb at the DuPage County Fair. Melissa Emma has been doing a good job for several years, “she can show anything.” She exhibited the Res Grand Lamb at the Grundy County Fair. I also received several calls from folks in TN, WI, MN, and NC that are all went to Honor Show Chow events, feed the feed and had tremendous success.

I would have my proud Dad card revoked if I did not brag on my own daughter a little bit. Emily had great summer showing her Southdowns and her wethers. Emily exhibited the Grand Lamb at the Kendall County Fair on lamb she bought from Greg Michel. That lamb ended selling for a record price at 4-H livestock auction. We rolled into State Fair, with our friends the Temples and had a great week. Emily bred and showed both the Champion and Res Champion Southdown lambs at the IL State Fair Jr Show. Her crossbred lamb from Morris-Pierson stood second in a very good class. In the breeding sheep show at the IL State Fair Show the Southdown classes are very large and competitive. Emily bred & exhibited both the Champion and Res Ch Ewes and the Champion Ram. All of these were fed the HSC Lamb Starter, the HSC Grand Lamb Mixer, the High Octane Champion Drive, or Fitter 35, or Power Fuel. You have to have the right tools to run the race. Emily finished her 4-H career in grand fashion. I am more proud of how she conducts herself in and out of the ring than I am of how the sheep place. We are looking forward to helping Emily compete in the national junior shows for the next several years.

I have not judged as many shows in the summer, because I wanted to spend my time with my family working together at shows. I did manage to fit in few. I really enjoyed my time at the Minnesota State Fair. Jo and Brian run a great show. There was a really great set of Hamps and Dorsets up there. I am looking forward to being a college football junkie this fall. My Dad and I have a trip scheduled to Columbus to catch the Buckeyes, and Amy and I have trip slated to go Stillwater to watch our Cowboys. We did mange a trip to Wrigley Field, and the Cubs even won!

It is Sept. 11, 2011. I just returned from the Sandwich Fair. They stopped all of the shows this morning to have a moment of silence to remember all of those who were lost in the attacks of 9-11. I walked out of the barn and they had fire fighters, police and members of the military all participating in a memorial service. It sure helps keep things in perspective. I am really glad I put my flag out front today.

Keep sending me your good news! I will “keep drinking the cool-aid.”

I got a call a few weeks ago from a really happy lady from North Carolina. She was calling to tell me that her daughter had just won Grand Champion Lamb at their County Livestock Show. This was a first for her daughter. (HIGH FIVE!) Now I am happy and I don’t even know why. She goes on to say that she and her daughter had gone to the Honor Show Chow Livestock Clinic that was held in March in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She said the showmanship pointers, feeding and exercise routines her daughter learned at the clinic played a key role in her championship performance. That and Honor Show Chow and High Octane Champion Drive. (FIST BUMP!) Jackie Whitley, Land O’Lakes Purina Feeds and Brent Jennings, NCSU Ext. are making a difference. Thanks for inviting me to be a part of your awesome clinic. Thanks for sharing your success story, Mrs. Ford. This is the best part of being and Honor Show Chow Ambassador.

Continue with your success story. The All- American Junior Show is just around the corner. This year’s show is in Delaware along with the National Suffolk Junior Show. The smart money is betting on those feeding out of those purple bags Honor Show Chow bags and square High Octane buckets. Look for those results soon. The National Southdown Junior Show is being held in West Springfield, MA in conjunction with Northeast Youth Sheep Show. Those folks do a great job with that show, and when the Southdowns role in it only gets better. When the dust settles, tell us your success story. County, District, Regional or National; share your good news!

I think I am going to have a Pepsi and a Devil Dog. I love it when a plan comes together. Life is good!(HAPPY DANCE!)

We have been busy getting lambs ready for the mid-summer shows and state fairs that are a part of the culture in much of the Midwest. We have been customizing feed for each of Emily’s wethers to help make sure that will be at their best when it matters most. In addition, to our 18% grower that we make using the HSC Grand Lamb Mixer, we use all of the High Octane products. High Octane Champion Drive, High Octane Power Fuel, and High Octane Fitter 35 are tools that we use to help each wether realize their full potential.

The whole family just returned from the Midwest Stud Ram sale in Sedalia, MO. Sedalia has been the home of one of the largest most successful sheep show and sales for over fifty years. Each year sheep breeders and exhibitors travel from all over the United States, Canada (hey Curtis!) and all over the world make the trip to Sedalia. This year the weather was …really nice. It didn’t seem quite like the Midwest Sale without 99 degree weather and 99% humidity, but that is ok.

Emily and Emily had the A&M Ranch Southdowns looking their best at the Midwest Sale. We were fortunate to receive the Best Consignment Award at this year’s sale. We showed the Grand Champion Ram, Res. Jr Ch Ewe and the first place March ewe lamb. Thanks to everyone who bid on and purchased A&M Ranch Southdowns to add to their flock. We wish you the best of luck.

Honor Show Chow again hosted a fitting and showmanship clinic in conjunction with the Midwest Stud Ram Sale. Jeff Repasky of Northern Starr Livestock and I reviewed some of the things we look for when selecting lambs for our show string. We also demonstrated fitting and showmanship techniques to help folks show their sheep and make them look their best. It was great to see so many folks get involved. Jeff Repasky is one of the most respected fitters and showman in the business and it is always a pleasure to work with him. Thanks to Emily and Katelyn for “volunteering.” You both made us look good, thank you.

One of the highlights was again the Honor Show Chow Cookout. Taw Wayne Dunham, Randy Ames, Dr. Kevin Burgoon, Dr Steve Myers, John Zeloski and Dave Martise all made sure the lamb burgers were done to perfection and no one walked away hungry. I think most of the folks at the clinic really just came for the good cookin’. Nice job guys and thanks for all the help. Did I mention it was an A&M Ranch Southdown, Honor Show Chow fed lamb? It just had to be good.

Honor Show Chow fed sheep continue to be among the most popular at the late spring and early summer sales. It is no accident that those lambs have the bloom, tone and touch that the discriminating breeder and buyers are looking for.

Amy and Emily did a great job with our A&M Ranch entries at the Ohio Showcase sales in May. One of the highlights was our first place Jan ewe lamb that sold for $2800. She was sired by the “Grand Theft” ram featured in a blog a few months back.

Kline Creek Farm hosted the 2011 Illinois Breeder’s Assoc. field day in early June. It was great to see so many of the new breeders get chance to meet and mingle with many of the veterans. Congrats to Jessica Manthe, who was the winner of the 2011 Southdown Essay contest. The weather was great and thanks to everyone for traveling to Kline Creek Farm.

The HSC Show VIP was one of the best ever. The weather played a large part in that. However, the groups of participants this year were really good. Folks from all of the United States made this VIP one to remember. It is always good to get all of the HSC Ambassadors together. I learn something from those folks every time. The Ambassadors are all terrific teachers. Regardless of wether the audience is highly skilled veterans or enthusiastic newcomers, the HSC Ambassadors engage them all.

If “April showers bring may flowers” is true, it is going to be a cornucopia of color around here pretty soon. Thanks to folks for at the Oklahoma Black and White Sale for having me come out and judge that sale. The sale was very well run, super facilities, and really good sheep. The next weekend at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago, IL, I got to have a sheep shearing party with about 3000 people. They all got the gospel of agriculture from Farmer Mark. (Can I get an AMEN?) That is one of the few times I have sheared in the rain AND snow. Emily graduated from cosmetology school on April 21. She has done a great job perfecting her styling skills. I like to think her years of fitting sheep, cattle and horses had a little something to do with that. She will be taking her scissors to Stillwater, Ok this fall to attend OSU. Amy, my Dad and I attended a new Southdown Sale held at the Univ. Wisconsin. It was a really nice set of sheep. We picked up a good ewe from Geerts Southdowns. This past weekend I worked up at Kline Creek Farm were we hosted a plowing weekend with the Northern Illinois Draft Horse and Mule Assoc. There were about 40 head of horses and mules plowing discing and harrowing the farm fields of suburban Chicago. I think that was the only weekend it didn’t rain in April. You can see pics of that on the Kline Creek Farm Facebook page. Speaking of pictures, we have been shearing and taking pictures of our spring lambs and Ohio Sale entries. We have a really good set of sheep headed to the Ohio Sales, May 12-14, 2011 in Eaton, Ohio. This is best set of Southdowns we have put in one sale in long time. Check them out on our website at www.aandmranch.com

Our lambs have been eating us out of house and home lately. The lambs have been feed exclusively HSC Show Lamb Starter. They always seem to start slow on that creep. Maybe my ewes milk too well. (We feed the HSC Ewe Pellet). We are weaning the lambs now and they look GREAT! Our lambs are young, but they perform so well on the HSC Show Lamb Starter, folks often think they are much older than they really are. We are transitioning the lambs onto a grower ration we make using the HSC Grand Lamb Mixer. Email me and I will send you that ration.

Like you, we have been working, traveling, and looking at a lot of livestock. However, we did get see Brandon Rhyder, Cody Canada and the Departed, and the Randy Rogers Band all in concert this month. Life is good!

A few weeks ago, Kirk put up some “before and after” pics of really nice Hereford heifer they were working with. The pictures really illustrated what a difference Honor Show Chow feed can make. We all know Kirk as great fitter. But as a fitter, we have a saying that goes, “You can’t polish a terd.” The ability to study structure and soundness, combined with the knowledge of the bloodlines and the skill to feed make things like that possible. One of the key ingredients is the feed. You have access to the all of the same Honor Show Chow feeds.

I purchased a ram at the 2010 Ohio Sales. He was near the bottom of the sale order. The Hefflefinger crew had loaned this ram to some local kids and got him back very thin. His structure and bone work were really good. His pedigree was strong; his mother had placed second at NAILE. He was just real thin and even lost some muscle. One bid and I owned him. We started pouring the coals to him soon after he got home. Then we turned him out to pasture with about 30+ ewes in Sept and Oct. Once again in Nov. we pulled him out and started pushing him hard again. We fed him the grower ration that we make using the HSC Grand Lamb Mixer and mixed Alfalfa hay. You should see him now. More importantly you should see his lambs. We just christened this ram “Grand Theft.”

Just another example of Honor Show Chow feeds can really help you, “See the Difference.”

“Grand Theft” Before

“Grand Theft” After

“On the road again, I just can’t wait to get on the road again. The life I love…” is showing livestock with my friends. Sorry Willie, sometimes I just can’t help myself.

From San Antonio, TX to Elkhorn, WI and Joliet, IL, to some place were they hunt bear in North Carolina. The last few weeks have been fast and furious. Thanks to everyone who came to all of the clinic and workshops. You are the reason we have such a great time doing those things.

Thanks to Jackie Whitley and Brent Jennings for hosting the Eastern North Carolina Youth Livestock Workshop. The many volunteers that helped that weekend made sure all of the participants learned a lot and were well fed. That two day workshop included programs on beef cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. Special thanks to Doug, the wash crew, and Jeff for all their help with sheep.

I enjoyed the opportunity to attend the Retail Expo in San Antonio, TX. Taw Wayne, Big Z, and Goons took good care of us while we were there. I continue to be amazed at the passion, dedication and commitment to the customer that is exhibited by the LOLP sales staff and dealers.

The Showring Success Seminar in Elkhorn, WI was also well attended. Amy was able to go with me on that trip. I hope I didn’t embarrass her too bad. That seminar included programs on beef cattle, swine and show lambs. My new friend Tommy and I had a lot fun teaching folks what to look for in selecting that next great one as well as some showmanship pointers. I learned it is easy to lose a crowd when you get upstaged by someone younger and funnier than you. Paul Homb and Kirk Dailey did a bang up job putting that seminar together.

The first Showring Success Seminar held in conjunction with Joliet Junior College was a success. Paul Homb, Kirk Dailey and Brad Angus, JJC worked with several local dealers to put on nice new clinic. There were programs on beef cattle, goats, show pigs and lambs. The great facility and even better partnership of people, lead me to believe this will soon become one of the best livestock show clinics in the area.

Again, thanks to everyone who attended these Honor Show Chow sponsored events. Practice the showmanship techniques that you learned. Study your lambs and adapt your feeding and exercise program like we discussed. Purina’s new campaign is, “See the Difference.” That is our goal, to help you see the difference. Honor Show Chow feed lambs have been kickin’ butt and taking names in the Southwest this winter. Those winners have seen the difference.

Thought for the day: “Bad feed that doesn’t work is too expensive.”

This time of year is when the Show Clinic schedule really heats up. When that starts to wind down we really get crankin’ on the early spring lamb sales. I am looking forward to being in North Carolina this weekend for the Eastern North Carolina 4-H Livestock School. I have heard really good things about this clinic and am looking forward to a warmer climate. Then I will be at programs in Walworth, WI and Joliet, IL on consecutive weekends. Those are both new clinics for me to participating and they sound like they will be outstanding. I know there are bunch of clinics in OH, PA, and MN in March. Check out the EVENTS tab on www.honorshowchow.com and find the show clinic nearest you. I may not be at all of them; however I am sure they will have someone equally as talented and good looking.

We went to the IL Beef Expo this weekend. There was a ton of people there and a lot of excellent cattle. Congrats to all involved. I was surprised at all of the feed companies that have recently decided to get in the show feed business. Even those that I have been in it for awhile are “new and improved.” We have been using the HSC Show Lamb Starter since it was the old Honor Creep feed. Why have we been using the same creep feed for six years? It works. Just keep the creep feeders full. Feed prices are expensive. Corn and soybean meal are expensive. In my mind, this is not the time to gamble. This is the third year we have used the HSC Ewe Pellet to feed are pregnant and lactating ewes and it continues to perform. It is now available in some area with CTC.

We have had a lot of snow in our part of IL this winter. I think most of the country has had a lot of snow this winter. I hope we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.