This issue of "Secrets To Their Success" features Brent Titus of Charleston, Illinois. Brent is married to his lovely wife, Lindsey, who is as much of a part of Titus Club Lambs, as Brent. Brent says she is really the reason they are able to raise sheep because when he is gone for work, she’s the one there doing the work! They have a son, Trace, who is 8 years old the best thing that ever happened to them! They currently run a flock of 55 ewes. Enjoy reading our candid interview with Mr. Brent Titus and check back soon for our next "Secrets To Their Success"!
How did you get involved in the club lamb industry? Did you show?
A family friend of ours asked us if we would like to show lambs when I started 4-H, we did and the rest is history. That was 1989 and my first projects were raised by the University of Illinois, things certainly change since they don’t even raise sheep anymore.
Did you attend college? If yes, were you on a judging team?
I was a member of the Lakeland College Jr. College  Livestock judging team, then went to the University of Illinois and participated on their team and have had the opportunity to coach judging teams at both of these schools in one fashion or another since graduating.
What genetics are you using or what is the backbone of your flock?
The blackface started with a small group of ewes from Brad Dale and then multiple purchases from Vince McGolden. The majority of the flock traces to about 4 of these foundation ewes. The dorsets were built using Hurliman Genetics. Lately the bucks have carried quite a bit of Johnson (OK) blood.
What is your favorite part of raising sheep?
Lambing Season
What is the biggest challenge to raising show lambs?
Consistency of product - Too many times we are focused on raising one superior individual at the expense of several that are not marketable. To truly be successful we need to raise a consistent high quality group without the throwaways.
In your opinion, what is your biggest accomplishment (sheep-wise)?
Our first production sale. It was a goal from the beginning to have a group good enough to offer to the public and the customers made it a great experience. Lets hope there are many more to come.
If you could do one thing over again, what would it be (sheep-wise)?
When we first began raising lambs we bought lots of ewe lambs from several different breeders because we were showing them and needed different kinds for different judges. It took a long time to build a consistent ewe base that was genetically similar. If I could do it again I would go to one place and buy a group sired by the same buck.
What do you feel are more important: Rams or Ewes? Why?
Ewes - If you don’t have good females it doesn’t matter what sire you use. My grandfather taught me a long time ago when he raised race horses that a good mare will carry an average stallion and I believe it to be true in sheep as well.
How do you go about purchasing a new ram? Does scrapie testing come into play?
I try to find a sheep that is bred similarly on one side of his pedigree or another to what we have at home. Limited out cross develops more consistency and eliminates the spread in your crop, but he must also be exceptional where our sheep need improved at the time. I would prefer RRNN but if he’s the one I'll use him regardless of blood.
List the three most important priorities in selecting replacement females for your flock?
Her genetics, structural correctness, and skeletal width.
Do you use ET/AI? How do you see biotechnology fitting into your operation in the next 10 years?
We have not but plan to very shortly.
Describe your facilities or describe what you think are the ideal facilities.
Our facilities are nothing special but are serviceable. Ideally I would have heated lambing rooms and more pasture.
What’s your favorite lamb you’ve ever raised?
Purple 1. She was the first one we ever raised and she traces to a high percentage of the ewes we have retained and the winners we have produced. I rarely let a girl go that traces to her because they seem to work regardless of sire group.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing the sheep industry?
We need to be extremely careful chasing trends. I lived through the hard shallow bodied trend and I never want to lamb those ewes again but if we continue to moderate these things and they have feet the size of saucers when they come out we will be cutting them open again to get lambs out. I like stout powerful sheep and I think by making them that way they are more functional females but lets stop before we go to far.
Where do you see yourself/your flock in ten years?
Hopefully bigger and raising better sheep. If that wasn’t the goal we would quit.
If you had one piece of advice to someone who is starting to raise sheep what would you tell them?
Find a breeder you trust, buy a group of ewes, and then ask them for help. Most breeders want customers to succeed and by working with someone that wants that for you, you will become successful much quicker.
Outside of raising sheep, what do you do?
I am a sales rep for EMD Cropbioscience and sell seed treatments. I also have an auctioneers license and announce horse races in the summer.
What was the most influential ram in your flock?
Hopefully the next one!!
The best sheep you ever saw was…..
I'll cheat here and name 2: Kaylee Turner’s Grand From the 2006 SW District Show in OK that went on to be reserve grand at the city. When he hit the ring I think everyone knew I was going to use him. He was so far ahead of the times for roundness of rib and bone yet shallow and good looking. My other choice would be Amber Cox’s Grand Champion Market Ewe OYE 2009. I want all my females built like her.
If I weren’t raising sheep I would be….
Dead or retired, but honestly on the lake with Lindz and Trace.
I am most looking forward to….
Watching Trace grow up and hopefully develop the same passion for this that his parents have.
Favorite place to travel/vacation?
Vacation...What’s that? Illinois and Indiana State Fairs...do they count?
Favorite movie? True Grit (The original)
Favorite meal?
My wife and son got me a smoker and my favorite meal would be cooked on that. I'll go with Beef Brisket. |
