Our new endeavor

[EmsoffLambs]

As the New Year kicks off, Emsoff Livestock Company kicks off its newest endeavor. Some 12 or 13 years ago we had a handful of Dorper x Suffolk commercial ewes in our flock. We were impressed at the time with their incredible maternal ability and the superior carcass traits of their lambs. While those ewes are long gone, we have ever since admired the Dorper breed for its hardiness, natural muscling and efficiency, however, we were never satisfied with the coarse structure and small frame size of the Dorpers we'd seen. That all changed with Cheap Shot. This stud ram combines all the qualities we appreciated in the Dorper breed with the bigger frame size and elegance that we so value in our club lamb flock. Add to that the fact that he's sired by the 2011 National Champion Dorper ram and we think he'll make a great foundation sire for our Dorper flock. We thank Kelly Hair Sheep of Lapin, TX for making this fullblood Dorper stud available.

[PeteM]

That is a nice hair sheep. Does California have hair divisions in market shows? It is a fairly new thing in Oklahoma and I expect it to grow.

[EmsoffLambs]

No, Pete, we don't have hair market class here, but they can be shown registered. We will show them registered and hopefully send some wethers to OK and TX.

[Jimmy Davis]

He certainly looks like the right kind. Good luck!

[EmsoffLambs]

Just thought I'd share our progress on the Dorpers. Justus and I attended the Western States Dorper Association Production Sale last month and came home with three ewes, including this yearling. She wasn't the highest placing or selling ewe in the sale as she isn't terribly traditional (i.e. small framed with a prominent brisket, rough top line or round hip). We really like the wether dam look she presents, yet she still maintains the great muscling and efficiency the breed is known for. She is bred to Cheap Shot for fall lambs.