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This issue of "Secrets To Their Success" features Stuart Spruill of Stephenville, Texas. Stuart is married to his wonderful wife, Darris and they have a daughter, Alyssa. He currently runs a flock of 200 Hampshire and Hampshire crossbred ewes. Enjoy reading our candid interview with Mr. Spruill and check back soon for our next "Secrets To Their Success"! How did you get involved in the club lamb industry?
In 2001, we bought out Gail Christian and purchased 118 head of cross ewes from one of his satellite flocks. I showed both lambs and steers throughout my show career. How many ewes do you run? We have a little over 200 head here at the ranch, plus another 160 head in satellite flocks. What genetics are you using or what is the backbone of your operation?
Most of our ewes go back to Cabaniss and Miller Genetics. What is your favorite part of raising sheep?
I would have to say lambing season. Just to see if our mating decisions worked out. But a close second, would  be the sale season to see if the customers thought our decisions worked.What is the biggest challenge to raising show lambs?
Over the last few years it would be finding enough customers and outlets to sell over 500 head of show lambs, especially ewe lambs. Alot of our fairs have gone to a wether-only show. In your opinion, what is your biggest accomplishment (Sheep-wise)?
Having raised the 2009 Grand Champion Lamb at the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo. This is a Texas bred show and 2009 was the first year San Angelo let Medium Wools show. If you could do one thing over again, sheep-wise, what would it be?
I would have started with a more uniform ewe flock. It took me several year's work to correct that mistake. What do you feel are more important: Rams or Ewes? Why? How do you go about purchasing a new ram? Does scrapie testing come into play?
I purchase a ram based on what I might need to change or improve in my flock. I try to purchase QR or better in all my rams. List the three most important priorities in selecting replacement females for your flock.
I would say structure and design, plus a must is mothering ability. A ewe that is not a good mother won't last long in our barn. Do you utilize AI/ET?
No, I am going to stay with the old fashioned way. Describe your facilities or describe what you think are the ideal facilities.
We have a totally enclosed 60'x 280' lambing barn that makes it extremely nice in the winter or rain. We also have 10 - 40'x120' lamb feed lots that we run about 50 head per lot. Seven years ago we built a 60'x120' sale facility that we have our spring and fall sales in.
What is your favorite lamb you've ever raised?
We raised a lamb back in 2006, that my daughter Alyssa showed 18 times and was never beaten in class, including Fort Worth. What do you feel is the most important issue facing the sheep industry?
I think we are trying to make them way too shallow, which may work for a wether, but is not worth a flip for a good production ewe. Where do you see yourself/your flock in ten years?
If I make it ten more years without my wife divorcing me, I hope to be raising the right type of sheep for the times, that are affordable for the kids.  If you had one piece of advice to someone who is starting to raise sheep, what would you tell them?Start with a flock that is the right kind no matter if it is 2 head or 50. RANDOM QUESTIONS
Outside of raising sheep, what do you do? We also raise over 600 head of show goats.
Who was the most influential person to your involvement in the sheep industry?
Gail Christian The best sheep you ever saw was...
Erica Walker's Grand Champion at San Antonio. If you could talk to one person from the past, who would it be?
My dad Favorite sports team?
Texas Rangers Tractor or skidsteer?
Tractor If they made a movie about you, what actor/actress would you want to play you?
Jack Black
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