Ohio Club Lamb Association: May 2014

Friday, May 16, 2014

Where are they now: Eric Shellhouse

Eric Shellhouse

Tell us a little about yourself, both personal and professional, and your past/current OCLA involvement.

I first became an OCLA member in 1992 at my first Ohio lamb show. The best thing about showing in the OCLA were the friends I made along the way and that first year was a blast. Over the years I've served as a junior director and as well as a director. Currently I work for PIC, a swine genetics company, as well as Novel Designs, the leading marketing and web design firm for the show stock industry.

What does your career entail? What do you enjoy most about your job?

I am a selection officer for PIC. I evaluate the replacement females that we sell to commercial producers. I'm responsible for approximately 30,000 sows of female production in Ohio. My favorite part about my job is that it involves evaluating livestock on a day to day basis. My second position is as a sales rep. for Novel Designs and a contributor to championdrive.com. The great part about working for Novel Designs is the day to day interaction with show stock producers around the country.

How did you land your first job?

agcareers.com

What characteristics are needed for success in your career?

Both of the positions I hold require attention to detail and the ability to communicate with people. I'm constantly working with a team.

How has OCLA helped you in both your professional and personal life?

Being in the OCLA gave me a start in the livestock industry and introduced me to people I might otherwise never have met. It gave me a passion for the livestock industry in all facets.

What advice would you give to current OCLA members?

My advice to OCLA members is stick with it! If showing livestock is what you love, there are careers that can keep you involved in the livestock industry...it may be a different species, but you may find your niche where you least expect it.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Lamb 101

SHOW 1: Mid-Ohio/Hiland (10:30 AM)

Lamb 101 Topics:

*Safe Handling and Catching, Halter Use

1. How to safely catch sheep

2. How to put on a halter

3. How to begin halter breaking and tying

Lamb 201 Topics:

*Fitting Legs

1. Hair, Wool and Shag….Is there a difference

2. Leg fitting – Where to start and stop

3. Tools to do the job

Lamb 301 Topics:

*Measuring and Managing Fat

1. What are the kinds of fat

2. Where is fat deposited and in what order

3. Fat and carcass merit

SHOW 2: Clark County (10:00 AM)

Lamb 101 Topics:

*Animal Health Plan

1. Wormer use, schedule, and treatment record

2. Common sheep illnesses and treatment

3. Lamb Fungus detection, treatment, and prevention

Lamb 201 Topics:

*Lamb Math - Monitoring progress

1. Using performance to hit target and goal weights

2. Measuring inputs to determine efficiency

3. Use technology to chart progress

Lamb 301 Topics:

*Mastering Showing experience

1. Show ring fashion – Do’s and Don’ts

2. Show ring etiquette

3. Say Thank You

4. Pass it on to a Junior (Mentoring)

SHOW 3: Breeders Classic/Lamboree (TBA)

Lamb 101 Topics:

*Feeding Basics

1. Calculating expected feed consumption

2. Feeding regimen and schedule

3. Understanding basic lamb nutrition

Lamb 201 Topics:

*Preparing for Skill-a-thon Events

1. Finding resources and station information

2. Completing the record books

3. How to practice

Lamb 301 Topics:

*Handling and Selecting Market Animals

1. What exactly is the judge handling

2. Practice the handling technique

3. You be the judge

Senior Spotlight: Macie Ott

Macie Ott

Name/High School/County you show in/How long have you been showing?

My name is Macie Ott. I graduated from Norwalk High School in 2013. I have shown lambs for about 6 years.

Tell us a little about yourself and your involvement in OCLA

I am a cheerleader at UNOH. I like to spend quality time with my family and friends. I also show cattle across the country and exhibit hogs at my county fair. Although I have only been involved in OCLA for 2 years I have been able to experience the amount of friends and relationships that are able to be made through the organization.

Tell us about your plans for your future (college, employment, dreams, goals, etc.)

I am currently attending the University Of Northwestern Ohio to obtain an associate degree in Medical Assisting. After I graduate in 2015 I hope to go back to school to become a Surgical Technician.

Who has been your biggest influence in your showing experience?

My biggest influence in my showing career is my older sister Caleigh. Although she has had her tough time she never fails to push through them. Other influences in showing career are my parents and my little sister Lauren for always helping both in and out of the show ring.

What is your best OCLA memory?

Although I don't have many OCLA memories, I will always remember the shows I attended and the friends that were made throughout my showing career.

What advice would you give to younger members just starting their show career?

If I had to give any advice to younger members who are just starting their show career I would say to rely on your family. No matter what they will always be there to guide you and give you advice...even if it isn't about showing!

What advice would you give to the youth who are struggling with continuing to be involved in OCLA to the 18-year-old age group?

To the youth who are struggling to stay involved in the OCLA, everything will work out. Everything happens for a reason...even if it isn't what you think should happen!

How has OCLA influenced you and your life?

OCLA has influenced my life by blessing me with amazing friends, unforgettable memories, and opportunities that make me grateful that I have been part of the OCLA community!