DIRECTORS jUNIOR OF
BOARD MEET YOUR
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Savannah Bailey – Director, Wisconsin What Suffolk breeders had the biggest impact on you (not your flock, but you), and why? Kevin Slack, Jim Kanable, David Hoskins, and Rebecca Krinsky have been some of the most influential breeders and mentors throughout my time as a showman. They have all contributed to my knowledge of the Suffolk breed and my skills and management of raising and showing my Suffolks. What advice would you give a new junior member or family getting into the Suffolk business? Make connections! Finding or making connections with people in this industry is so important. Networking through breeders is your best source for information, strategies, emergency methods, and genetics. What has been the best part of being on the junior board? I have had the opportunity to meet so many new people- members and breeders. As I said, connections are so important in this industry and I got to make so many more while being on the junior board. Being on the junior board also gave me the chance to advocate. Connecting with others and hearing their thoughts and opinions allowed me to advocate for them as a leader on the board of directors. I also got to work closely with our junior coordinator who has been a large influence on me as a leader and advocator for the Suffolk breed. She has been a great mentor to not only myself but the entire board keeping us connected throughout the past years. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I pursue my passion for agriculture through means of my very own small business- creating and selling soaps and lotions- and youth apprenticeships. I am currently a greenhouse assistant at my high school and in the summer I will be interning at our local large animal vet clinic to gain experience for my future career. What's your most favorite or least favorite sheep "chore"? My most favorite sheep “chore” or rather a seasonal task would be letting the sheep out onto pasture. I love seeing the older ewes run back out onto the pastures and the year’s lamb crop stepping foot on the grass for the first time in the spring.
Allee Hoover - Director, Pennsylvania What Suffolk breeders had the biggest impact on you and why? MacCauley Suffolks and their herdsmen Evan Snyder because they were always there for advice when I was starting to build my Suffolk flock. Even in the depth of Covid they offered a much needed virtual show when we were forced to miss many of the usual summer shows, and just have always supported my family in our Suffolk endeavors. What advice would you give a new junior member or family getting into the Suffolk business? I would tell them to surround themselves with reputable, approachable breeders that will help them build a good flock to show and breed. And also to stay active in the UJSSA to explore aspects both inside and outside of the show ring. What has been the best part of being on the junior board? I love being able to have an opinion for what happens in this organization that I have such a passion for. I also really enjoy getting to go to shows as a junior board member and meet so many Suffolk juniors from all across the country. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I’m not a very outgoing person. Although, when I’m not in the barn, I spend my time competing in public speaking contests for my FFA chapter and my school’s public speaking class. What's your most favorite or least favorite sheep "chore"? My most favorite sheep chore is definitely middle of the night lamb checks. I’m a night owl, so I have the task of going out to the barn in the night during lambing season to check on new babies, and there is nothing better than a midnight cuddle with a Suffolk lamb under a heat lamp.
Katie Ford - Director, Indiana What Suffolk breeders had the biggest impact on you and why? Russell Sheep Co. has had the biggest impact on me because they've taught me everything I know about showmanship and the Suffolk breed. What advice would you give a new junior member or family getting into the Suffolk business? You don't have to come from a farming background to get into Suffolks! What has been the best part of being on the junior board? The best part of being on the junior board has been meeting and getting to know new people. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? On average, I run 400 miles a year. What's your most favorite or least favorite sheep "chore"? My favorite sheep chore is feeding bottle lambs! Creed Harker – Director, Iowa What Suffolk breeders had the biggest impact on you and why? Wayne Skartvedt, because he has been a mentor to me and my family since we got into the sheep business. What advice would you give a new junior member or family getting into the Suffolk business? Have fun, learn how to “groom” your own sheep and be responsible with your animal. What has been the best part of being on the junior board? Being able to decide what goes on at shows and within the association. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I learned to drive when I was 9. What's your most favorite or least favorite sheep "chore"? My favorite chore is to feed the lambs so I can play with them.
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