Lamb 101, 201, and 301 this year!

Big thanks to all our awesome board members for helping teach our youth this year at all the Lamb School events! Especially Tracy Deninger!

Where are they now: Linsey Howell

Linsey Howell

Tell us a little about yourself, both personal and professional, and your past/current OCLA involvement
I am a graduate of The Ohio State University witha degree in Agribusiness & applied Economics. I began showing sheep at age 3 at the Ohio State Fair Ladies lead competition where I was the cutest Buckeye Cheerleader you have ever seen. I grew up with OCLA being apart of my family & now my little brother Justin is getting to experience the organization that helped shape my life. I currently reside in Piqua, OH with my golden retriever Miley.

What is your official title?
I am an Account Representative for The Andersons-Marathon Ethanol in Greenville, OH.

What does your career entail?
Simply put, I am a grain buyer. I work at an end user ethanol facility that takes corn and produces ethanol, corn oil, DDG's & CO2. We use 40 mil bushels every year and I maintain the relationships with producers in the area to keep corn rolling into our facility.

 
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love getting to work with producers everyday. Farmers have the most interesting stories & you never know what is going to happen from one day to the next when dealing with commodities.

 
How did you land your first job?
I did internships throughout my college career. I did one with Farm Credit Services of Mid-America & also with Cargill in Commodity Merchandising. Between real life experiences & being very involved throughout my college career, it certainly helped open doors for me.

Senior Spotlight: Nick Fowler

Nick Fowler

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

• Nick Fowler 
• Shenandoah High School 
• Guernsey County 
• I have shown since I was about 5 years old

Tell us a little about yourself and your involvement in OCLA 

I have been involved in the OCLA since I could start showing. I love going to the shows and seeing all the lambs and the people. I try to always be in the top of my showmanship and to have fun showing.

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

I just completed my first year at The Ohio State University, majoring in Meat Science. I plan to continue at Ohio State and earn my degree, and find a job after graduation. I will also continue to raise my Southdowns and hopefully sell some good ones to younger kids to show.

Who has been your biggest influence in your showing experience?

My dad has been my biggest influence showing, he taught me most of what I know. When I was younger he really pushed me to be the best I could be. This helped me to gain the passion and work ethic I have for showing now.

What is your best OCLA memory?

My best OCLA memory was last year showing my home raised Southdown ewe lamb “Babycakes”. Last year was the first time I went to every single OCLA show, and she went along to all of them as well. At the end of the year she won the Southdown points and was Reserve Southdown at State Fair. It was sad when I had to sell her but I am proud of what we were able to accomplish. 

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

Always listen to your parents or whoever it is that helps you with your lambs. They may be hard on you and there will be disagreements, but they know what is best and it will all pay off in the end.

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?

Continue to stay involved as much as you can. It’s ok if you can’t make every show but try to make it to a couple shows every year. Before you know it you will be too old and won’t have the opportunity anymore. Time flies once you get to high school, make sure to enjoy it. 

How has OCLA influenced you and your life?

I have gained many friends and networks that I never would have without the OCLA. I have also learned a great deal about feeding and showing sheep and the hard work it takes to be good. I believe this is the best lesson you can learn from the OCLA experience and it can be related to anything you do in life. If you work hard good things will happen.