How did you get involved in the club lamb industry?  Did you show?
Ironically, I did not show sheep in 4-H; my projects were swine, cattle, and horses. I grew up raising purebred hogs, but my interest in the sheep industry developed while on the ’85 Purdue Livestock Judging team. I purchased my first ewes a few years after college. Most of the early wins came by way of a group of ewes I
purchased from Martha White (Brother Bob/Rascal) and a “used” ram purchased from Darrell Skidgel (3J). The majority of our current ewes are now based in Bianchi and Leventini lines. 

How did you find out your lamb won the 2010 American Royal? What were your first thoughts?
I was following class by class via Champion Drive Twitter! It was great to be able to get the updates as it happened. I was pumped to see the class win, and had no expectations beyond that. When I saw the final, I had to refresh the site two or three times to make sure that I was reading it right. It was an incredible feeling, and I was very excited for Alex.

Tell us about your lamb that won the 2010 American Royal!
The Royal lamb’s name was “Clyde” (and yes, if you are wondering there is a “Bonnie” still at home).  “Clyde” (pictured at right) was sired by our Glasscock buck, The Evil One.  Evil is a Goldmine son on a Dinero daughter.  He was the 2009 Grand Champion Ram at the Mid-West Elite Show & Sale; we own this ram in partnership with Willoughby Show Stock.  Clyde’s mother, “Big”, is a Bianchi ewe we purchased in 2007 from Karen Bianchi.  She is an All-In (Cabaniss bred, owned by Bianchi, Leventini, and Miller) over a Bianchi foundation female. 

How many ewes do you run?
We currently maintain a group of 25 ewes. 

What genetics are you using or what is the backbone of your flock?
The base of our ewes comes primarily from genetics developed by Karen and the late Leonard Bianchi.  We are currently covering these females with the Glasscock buck - “Evil” and the McGolden ram - “Swoosh”.

How do you sell your lambs and when?
Currently all lambs are sold private treaty.

Do you sell any breeding stock?
We do sell a few ewes and a ram lamb on occasion, but most are sold as club lamb projects.

Where are you located?
We’re located in Winamac, Indiana.  Winamac is located half-way between Chicago, IL and Indianapolis, IN.    

Gil Alexander Reserve Champion Market Lamb 2007 Indiana State Fair Raised by Spotlight Hamps

Where do you see yourself/your flock in ten years?
Time restrictions have limited the number of ewes that we are able
to run. We want to increase flock size now that the boys are able to take on more responsibility.  Our goal will be to maintain and enhance consistency in the flock while increasing numbers.

If you had one piece of advice to someone who is starting to raise sheep what would you tell them?
For me consistency in the ewe flock has been important.  Maintain your focus as you select individuals and bloodlines.…and never stop being a student of the industry!

Outside of raising sheep, what do you do? 
I am employed by The Braun Corporation as Manager for the Paratransit Division. The Braun Corporation is the world’s largest manufacturer of wheelchair lifts and accessible vehicles.   

Do you have any children? I have two sons that are an integral part of our flock.  Gil is 15, and Thad is 13.  Both are involved in 4-H and show pigs and Boer goats, in addition to sheep.  What judge do you like to watch sort sheep? Well, my favorite now is Kelly Bruns! What was the name of your first ram? The very first ram was an Onion son, purchased from Tom Slack.  I can’t remember his name, but I do remember that he was an ornery cuss that took me down a couple times!  What was the most influential ram in your flock? Based on his first lamb crop, I think The Evil One has potential to make a significant mark.  If you could keep only one ewe, which would it be and why? I’ve liked the mother of the Royal lamb from the day Bianchis let her go.  She is a big-boned broody ewe with a lot of length and constitution.

Thad Alexander 2010 Champ Int Suffolk Showman 2009 Champ Junior Showman Indiana State Fair

Gil Alexander "Bonnie" Class Winner 2010 Indiana State Fair Sired by Evil

Who was the most influential person to your involvement in the sheep industry? Leonard Bianchi.  Leonard offered insight into the industry, but was also a great person.  I feel fortunate to have known him as a friend.    I am most looking forward to…. Lambing season.  I can’t wait to see the new crop, but then about half-way through the lambing season I ammost looking forward to the end of lambing season and getting an uninterrupted night of sleep! Favorite sports team? Purdue Football and Basketball.  Go Boilers! Tractor or skidsteer? Tractor If they made a movie about you, what actor/actress would you want to play you? I thought Brad Pitt would be a good representation, but my kids said that Will Ferrell would better fit the part!

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