YSA Tours Cattle Feeding, Dairy Industries

Sep 24, 2024

The 2024 KLA Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) met for its third session last week. Class members from across the state spent three days touring various segments of the beef and dairy industries. The YSA program is exclusively sponsored by Merck Animal Health.

El Dorado Livestock Auction hosted the group’s first stop, where they participated in Beef Quality Assurance training and heard from market co-owner Josh Mueller. Poland Angus Ranch near Isabel hosted the second stop. Richard Poland shared the story of his operation and walked the group through his heavy-bred first-calf heifers.

Adams Cattle Company LLC/XIT Ranch near Plains hosted the first stop on day two of the tour. John and Jack Adams spoke to the class about the history of the family ranch and how they operate today. The Adamses also touched on their successful Quarter Horse program. The second stop was High Plains Ponderosa Dairy, where managing partner Greg Bethard talked about the inner workings of the dairy, the expansion currently underway and how the operation utilizes its resources to remain efficient and sustainable.

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Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.