BOARD MEET YOUR
DIRECTORS OF
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Greg Ahart, California – District 1 How long have you had Suffolk sheep? My grandmother purchased my first Suffolk ewe lambs for me in 1983 (Wycoff Sisters 302 and 314, also known as Pepsi and Coke) when I was 11 years old, as well as a ram from Bob and Margie Paasch, DTS 83-231. Approximately how many total ewes do you have (includes other breeds)? Around 175. Which also translates to too many. What Suffolk breeders had the biggest impact on you (not your flock, but you), and why? My in laws, the Paasch family. My father-in-law instilled a sense of the importance of industry service in me that is why I’m on this board now. That entire family has a work ethic (and competitive streak!) that is absolutely amazing. No point in doing ANYTHING if you aren’t going to do it right. Many life lessons were learned and fun times were had around the Donner Trail Ranch. What advice would you give a new Suffolk breeder or junior member? Ask questions, find mentors, and align yourself with the right people. There are many good people involved in the breed as well as many different types of Suffolks. Find the people and the sheep that work for you – and you can’t do that without asking questions. What do you enjoy most about being a director? The current board and Amanda. They are a wide cross section of highly engaged, passionate, and hard working Suffolk enthusiasts. It can be one of the most fulfilling and most thankless jobs – all at the same time! Many people outside don’t necessarily grasp the difference between a registry and a breed organization – and this group gets it. The focus on membership benefits and education, opportunities for growth and the future, and looking at the sustainability of the business model are all topics regularly addressed and worked on. This is the hardest working volunteer board I’ve ever been a part of, and I’m proud to be part of it and serve the breed with this group of people. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? Two things: 1) I’m a very sentimental and keep scraps, souvenirs, and ‘something that has meaning’ from many more things than people ever realize and can tear up over the most random things and 2) I was a band kid growing up. Played trumpet from 4th grade through the end of high school. My senior year I played the national anthem on the 50 yard line before all
What do you enjoy most about being a director? That answer is yet to come as I just was appointed to the Board in March. I have worked with a couple of different committees and I find I enjoy connecting with Suffolk breeders from across the US. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I have been a member of the Salem Fire Protection District for 27 years and currently serve as the Asst. Fire Chief. I am also a field instructor for the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute, which is the state fire academy. I specialize in Agricultural Rescue. I am the coauthor of the Ag Rescue , Grain Bin Rescue, Large Animal Rescue, and Anhydrous Ammonia Emergencies classes and teach about 300- 350 hours a year. If you weren’t raising sheep, what would you be doing with that time? After doing it for 40 years it’s hard to say I know I have no plans in giving up raising sheep, it is part of who I am. Please share a favorite lamb recipe. If you do not have a recipe, what is your favorite lamb dish? I am a huge fan of gyros but I like anything with ground lamb in it like pasta, sloppy joe’s, shepherd’s pie, etc. Jeremy Geske, Minnesota (District 3) How long have you had Suffolk sheep? 44 years Approximately how many total ewes do you have (includes other breeds)? 45 ewes What Suffolk breeders had the biggest impact on you (not your flock, but you), and why? Some of my best friends in life are current or former Suffolk breeders. People that I can spend hours talking sheep, looking at sheep, discussing breeding strategies or other sheep management practices. Breeders like Dave Pearson, Gayle Lucas, Rex Quam, John Scott and dozens of other breeders from all across the country (as well as a few in New Zealand) that I have gotten to know over the years either from sales, junior shows or from serving on the board. And of course my father who got me started in Suffolks at age 9 and taught me the importance of structure and performance traits.
the football games and center court before all the basketball games. That is the closest I ever was to being an athlete, which you’ll understand once you see me trip over my own feet! If you weren’t raising sheep, what would you be doing with that time? Finding something to obsess over and some work to do. I don’t sit still, and I don’t do idle time well. I believe I’d still be somehow involved in raising livestock. Please share a favorite lamb recipe. If you do not have a recipe, what is your favorite lamb dish? Favorite meal I ever had out with lamb (twice) was the lamb burger at the Breslin in NYC. Google it. No, seriously, Google it. Favorite lamb dish at home is when Mary makes shanks. No idea how she does it, but it makes me VERY happy. Bill Fulton, Illinois (District 2) How long have you had Suffolk sheep? 40 years Approximately how many total ewes do you have (includes other breeds)? 90 ewes and 10-20 replacements What Suffolk breeders had the biggest impact on you (not your flock, but you), and why? First, I would have to say Mr. Mason Newell. Mr. Newell was where I purchased my first Suffolk ewes. He was retiring, because I believe of health issues, and I was a young guy looking to expand my sheep operation. He had 50 ewes for sale but I could only afford 25, so he offered to split them with me by him picking the first them I picked mine and so on till they were split into two 25 ewe group (should have bought them all). He had great Suffolks and sold me on the breed for the rest of my life. Secondly, I would have to say Steve Ulrich, I have purchased ewe lambs, yearlings, and rams from Steve over the years and they have been faultless. But the thing I enjoy the most is visiting with Steve about his sheep and his ideas of the ideal Suffolk and how he does things. What advice would you give a new Suffolk breeder or junior member? Find a Suffolk breeder that raises the kind of Suffolks that you want on your farm or ranch and then connect with them on their ideas and find out what they do and how they select their breeding stock. A good breeder will work with you to help make you successful as well.
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