20
National Suffolk Ambassador is an outstanding Junior Suffolk member selected to be a spokesperson for the use of Suffolk sheep, Suffolk breed and its affiliated organizations. The Suffolk Ambassador will be assigned a specific project that supports the Suffolk breed, organization(s) and/or members. The Ambassador may attend local, state, regional or national Suffolk or sheep industry events. The position is a one-year term, held from July to July. Applicants must be a United Junior Suffolk Sheep Association member in good standing between the age of 16 and 21. The application deadline is June 1. Top applicants will be interviewed by a 3-member panel and one winner will be selected. During the interview process applicants should discuss their idea for a project they would like to work on during the year if chosen as the Ambassador. Individuals who have served as the Suffolk Ambassador in the past are allowed to reapply if membership and age requirements are met. WESLEY LINKE 2023 AMBASSADOR WESSINGTON SPRINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA
Suffolk flocks throughout the Midwest, interacting with different members of the Suffolk association, and being able to be involved in some of the different events that the Suffolk association puts on. WHAT ROLE DOES THE SUFFOLK AMBASSADOR PLAY IN THE SUFFOLK ASSOCIATIONS OR THE BREED? I take part in helping promote the breed wherever and whenever I can. You can catch me at some of the different national shows and sales helping promote the breed. I sit in on the monthly USSA board Zoom meetings to help better understand what all takes part in their duties. I really enjoy presenting to non-Suffolk members what we all have to offer. WHAT SUFFOLK BREEDERS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU (NOT YOUR FLOCK, BUT YOU), AND WHY? There are two significant breeders that have really helped me excel throughout my journey, Jim Van Dyke and Bob Kimm. Bob’s junior program has influenced many youth members throughout the year and I’m lucky enough to be one of them. I’ve been very fortunate with Jim’s hospitality and use of his Suffolk seedstock. Not
BRIEFLY SHARE YOUR BACKGROUND/ INTEREST IN THE SUFFOLK BREED. I’ve been actively involved with Suffolk sheep for almost 10 years. I grew up with a Suffolk flock with strong influences in producing terminal sires for western range flocks. I’ve competed in many different shows, ranging from the local county fair to the highest level
of competition in Louisville at North American International Livestock Exposition. I’ve always had a strong passion for slick shorn Suffolks. AS THE 2022 SUFFOLK AMBASSADOR, SHARE SOME MEMORABLE MOMENTS. Some of my favorite moments within the past year of being Suffolk Ambassador include visiting different
Powered by FlippingBook