This edition of A Few Minutes is with Scott Greiner, Extension Sheep Specialist at Virginia Tech. Mr. Greiner will be judging the market lamb at NAILE on Saturday, November 12. Enjoy reading our candid interview with Mr. Scott Greiner and be sure to check back for more judge interviews!
What is your background and current involvement in the sheep industry?
I have been involved in the sheep industry my entire life. I grew up outside the small town of Oxford in eastern Iowa. My Dad was a professional shearer and lamb feeder, and we had flock of commercial/club lamb ewes. My siblings and I were very active in 4H, and participated in many junior livestock activities. Currently, as Extension Sheep Specialist at Virginia Tech I work closely with our sheep producers and youth on daily basis. Along with my wife Lori, and daughters Kaylee and Leah (ages 12 and 9) we have a small flock of club lamb ewes. My daughters are very active in 4H.
What person/people influenced or helped to shape your view on what the ideal sheep should possess?
My father has been the most significant influence. Given the nature of our home operation I was able to experience the industry from many different perspectives. The late P.C. & Paige Walters of Educator Suffolks also had a huge influence. We partnered on rams with them when I was showing and they were great sheep people. In many ways they were ahead of their time, and I think their type of sheep would be very well accepted today. As a judging team member and coach, I have had the good fortune to interact with many breeders all over the U.S.- not just in sheep but cattle and swine as well. The opportunity to visit their operations and learn from them has certainly shaped my philosophy.
Where did you attend college and what awards did you achieve while judging in college?
I attended Iowa State and was a member of the Livestock, Meats, and Meat Animal Evaluation teams. With the guidance of great teachers and coaches, I was fortunate to be on very successful teams. The highlight was our 1988 ISU Livestock Team which was National Champion, and I was the high individual in the national contest in Louisville. My judging team experience was instrumental in my pursuing graduate degrees at Michigan State and Iowa State, and I coached two livestock teams which were national champions at Iowa State.
What are your initial sorts when evaluating market lambs?
My initial sort is on composition. Market animals must be muscular and correctly finished. So I first identify lambs which excel in this area, and then strive to sort lambs which have the correct composition in balance with other traits.
What would you consider an acceptable fat and weight range for a show lamb?
I strive to select lambs which have 0.15-0.25 in. fat thickness. I emphasize compositional correctness with is appropriate for the weight of the lamb and season of the year. Given the nature of our industry today, the acceptable weight range is very wide.
What’s the best lamb you have ever seen? What is the best lamb you have ever judged?
I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to judge many great shows, so this is a challenging question. There are a couple that come to mind right away: Champion and Reserve at Houston in 2007, and the Champion at the North American in 2007.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the sheep industry today?
A major issue facing us in agriculture, the sheep industry included, is the fact that most consumers are two or more generations removed from the farm. Consequently, we have a great deal of work to do to continue to educate the general public about the value and importance of agriculture. Many of the young people involved in livestock projects today will not make their careers in agriculture. However, I believe one of the great life lessons garnered from participation in these projects is an appreciation and understanding of animal and food production. Through these activities, and others, we need to continue to educate and develop the next generation of leaders which will have a positive impact for agriculture in the years to come.
Do you have anything that you strongly prefer not to see out of showmen when they are in the ring?
Slapping lambs in any fashion has absolutely no place. We all need to remember that we are representing production agriculture to the public through our actions and how we conduct ourselves. Providing a positive and accurate image of animal care is very important.
You can go anywhere on a weeklong vacation, where would you go and who would you take with you?
I would take my wife and daughters to Australia. I will hopefully accomplish this sometime.
Do you consider yourself more of a handle judge or a profile judge?
How lambs handle, profile, and move are all important.
What is your favorite place to judge?
I enjoy them all- small shows, big shows, close to home and far away. I really enjoy working with the exhibitors, and the people you get to interact with along the way. Judging provides me an opportunity to give back to program that has done a great deal for me. I have made many great friends as a result, and hopefully I have contributed positively to the experience and learning process for the exhibitors.
What is your favorite college team? What is your favorite sport to watch?
I am a college football and basketball nut. I cheer for the three schools which I have close ties- Iowa State Cyclones, Michigan State Spartans, and Virginia Tech Hokies.
If they made a movie about your life, who would you chose to play you?
I recently had a group of people tell me that I resemble Tom Hanks. Not sure if I agree or not, but he is a great actor!
Thanks Scott for your time!
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