This issue of "Secrets To Their Success" features Mike Stitzlein of Ashland, Ohio. Mike currently runs a flock of 250 Hampshire-Suffolk Crossbred ewes. Enjoy reading our candid interview with Mr. Mike Stitzlein and check back soon for our next "Secrets To Their Success"!

How did you get involved in the club lamb industry?
It all started out as a FFA Project with 4 Suffolk ewes while I was in high school.

Did you attend college?
I attended Ohio State University.

What genetics are you using or what is the backbone of your operation?
Cabaniss, Harrell, Garvie, Marcantel, and Brian Johnson          

What is your favorite part of raising sheep?
My favorite part is lambing them out.  I get to see if the matings that I put together worked and make decisions on how to get better!

What is the biggest challenge to raising show lambs?
Combining and trying to make the best with muscle structure and productivity in one.

In your opinion, what is your biggest accomplishment (sheep-wise)?
My biggest accomplishment is being able to raise sheep that goes into other flocks and works for them raising good ones. Each year my flock keeps getting more and more consistent.

If you could do one thing over again, sheep-wise, what would it be?
Mistakes get made, but if you learn from them then it is never a bad thing.  Wouldn’t change anything because you always learn from it.

What do you feel are more important: Rams or Ewes? Why?
Really it takes both, but ewes are probably the most predominant in my flock. When I look to keep a ram from my flock or purchase one from another breeder, I always look at female side.

How do you go about purchasing a new ram? Does scrapie testing come into play?
When purchasing a new ram I look for quality first and things I want to add to my flock. I make sure I'm not getting a major fault that I do not want in my program. I always want them complete.  At this time, scrapie testing does not really play a factor.

List the three most important priorities in selecting replacement females for your flock..
1. Must be out of a good ewe family
2. Structure
3. Production of ewe's siblings

Do you utilize AI/ET?
I have never tried AI. I have tried ET, but have not had much success with it thus far.

Describe your facilities or describe what you think are the ideal facilities.
I have facilities that fit the needs of living in Ohio.  All closed barns in the winter and all summer they range out on pasture.  I'm not sure there is an ideal but whatever fits to your budget.  In our part of the country a big concern is being overcrowded which can lead to disease and sickness. 

What is your favorite lamb you've ever raised?
Quest.  He sired the Grand and Reserve at OYE and only had 25 lambs out of him.  He reproduced himself even better and I still have almost every daughter in my flock. 

What do you feel is the most important issue facing the sheep industry?
Keeping the connection between the show ring and the commercial industry.  Everyone forgets the market needs to be good and keep the commercial sheep producers happy, so we don’t end up like the horse industry and have no where to go. 

Where do you see yourself/your flock in ten years?
Hopefully still raising good quality lambs for the consumer and market.

If you had one piece of advice to someone who is starting to raise sheep, what would you tell them? Pay attention to really good sound correct kind of females that are productive. You want to have a good base of foundation females.  Good structure, sound, and productive and hopefully find breeders that are helpful.  Ask and study a lot before you buy.

Outside of raising sheep, what do you do?
Raising sheep is my full time job! I enjoy traveling the country as well.

Who was the most influential person to your involvement in the sheep industry?
Ron Gunther- He was the Sheppard at Ohio State and a great mentor!

Favorite sports team?
Ohio State Buckeyes

If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would you go?
Anyplace warm and tropical

If I weren’t raising sheep I would be….something in the heath field.  I took personal training classes, so something in the health field.

What are your pet peeves?
People who spend time trying to change things around them rather than accept differences.
 
What were your first thoughts when you knew you breed the grand at 2011 NAILE? It felt surreal!

Favorite judges? Scott Greiner, Todd Wise, Marvin Ensor

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