APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 1, 2022
ational 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.
Suffolk Ambassador Wesley Linke, SD
competition in Louisville at NAILE. I’ve always had a strong passion for slick shorn Suffolks, but you may catch me showing a couple fitted Suffolks as well. Why were you interested in becoming the Suffolk Ambassador I have a strong passion for the Suffolk breed, and I wanted to give back to it. I’ve been blessed in many ways throughout the Suffolk breed, and I wanted to show others on how an organization like the UJSSA can impact your life. 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 & sales helping promote the breed and help
show what Suffolks all have to offer. I sit in on the monthly USSA zoom meetings to help better understand what all takes part in their duties. 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 & 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 seed stock use. Not many junior members are able to be apart of some of the top breeders in the industry and I’ve been lucky enough to work with these two. What advice would you give to youth or new families purchasing Suffolks?
I believe that the Suffolk breed is one of the most versatile breeds out there. There are so many different routes you can take with the Suffolk breed. Being able to show your ewe lamb throughout the summer and then taking her home to watch her produce in the lambing barn is one of the best experiences you can receive with owning Suffolks. Looking towards the future, maybe 10 years from now, what does your involvement in the Suffolk breed look like? In 10 years, I still plan on being actively involved with the Suffolk breed. Whether it be participating in different committees throughout the senior board or potentially helping out the Junior board as a coordinator. What is your favorite lamb dish/ receipe? Grilled lamb loin
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
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