The Championdrive Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Crappy Flushes, Trickin’ Out Your Trailer with Adam McLean & American Royal Market Lamb Judge Keith Berry
Release Date: September 26, 2024
Hosts: Kaitlyn Sister Urban & Steva Robinson
Guests: Adam McLean (Supreme Trailer Sales Owner) & Keith Barry (American Royal Market Lamb Judge)

Introduction

In this episode of The Championdrive Podcast, hosts Kaitlyn Sister Urban and Steva Robinson delve into the challenges of breeding season, particularly focusing on "crappy flushes" and AI busts. They are joined by two distinguished guests: Adam McLean, the owner of Supreme Trailer Sales, and Keith Barry, a seasoned judge at the American Royal Market Lamb competition. The episode offers valuable insights into both the trailer sales industry and the evolving landscape of sheep breeding and showing.

Understanding Breeding Challenges: Crappy Flushes & AI Busts

The conversation kicks off with a discussion on the unpredictability of breeding outcomes. Kaitlyn introduces the topic by highlighting the frustrations breeders face when Artificial Insemination (AI) or flushing attempts don't yield the desired results.

Adam McLean shares his perspective on the inevitability of setbacks in the breeding process:

Adam McLean [01:04]:
"There's probably always going to be something that goes wrong... you just have to take it and run with it and figure out what you can do better."

He emphasizes the importance of analyzing failures to improve future breeding attempts.

Steva Robinson adds that the industry often overlooks the "strikeouts," focusing primarily on successes:

Steva Robinson [01:46]:
"No one ever talks about the bad days... it's just part of the game. You're kind of gambling a little bit."

She underscores the necessity of maintaining a balanced perspective, recognizing that both good and bad days contribute to overall success.

Interview with Adam McLean: Supreme Trailer Sales

Background and Business Growth

Adam McLean, owner of Supreme Trailer Sales, shares the origins of his business:

Adam McLean [07:40]:
"Supreme Trailer Sales really started in 2010... we kind of snowballed from there into doing this, and we've been growing ever since."

He recounts selling the first trailer to his father, which is still in use today, highlighting the durability and trustworthiness of their products.

Customizing Trailers

Kaitlyn inquires about the customization process, to which Adam explains the meticulous approach Supreme Trailer Sales takes to ensure functionality and customer satisfaction:

Kaitlyn Sister Urban [11:03]:
"We keep a lot of those [Cimarron trailers]. They’re pretty custom, still pretty nice."

He discusses the typical timeline for building a trailer, noting that current production times have normalized to about 8–12 weeks, a significant improvement from the delays experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Favorites and Recommendations

When asked about favorite trailer options, Adam highlights functional enhancements that cater to specific needs:

Adam McLean [23:02]:
"The biggest thing is... our number one seller is the 24 to 26 foot 10 pins... the easiest thing to resell, but they're still able to get into fairgrounds and get around."

He prefers gooseneck trailers over bumper pulls for their maneuverability and additional tack space, advising customers to consider their specific needs before making a choice.

Maintenance Struggles

A key issue Adam identifies is the lack of proper maintenance among trailer owners:

Adam McLean [25:35]:
"General maintenance is crucial. People just want to use them and don't want to check wheel bearings or clean out wood shavings, which leads to bigger problems down the line."

He stresses the importance of regular upkeep to ensure the longevity and functionality of trailers.

Interview with Keith Barry: Sheep Breeding and Judging

Early Beginnings and Farm Evolution

Keith Barry provides a comprehensive overview of his journey in sheep farming, tracing his roots back to the mid-1970s. He discusses the establishment and growth of Berry Farms, emphasizing the transition from traditional farming to adopting modern breeding techniques.

Keith Barry [34:39]:
"We started with stock cows and a farrow-to-finish swine operation... That's how we began the commercial side of our sheep breeding."

Industry Trends and Their Impact

Keith reflects on the significant changes in the sheep breeding industry over the years, some positive and others challenging:

Keith Barry [38:38]:
"We've gravitated towards an easier flush and easier keeping sheep with more body... But I think the sheep's milk quality and fertility have faced some challenges."

He points out that AI has democratized access to elite genetics, allowing smaller breeders to compete more effectively but also introducing complexities in maintaining consistency and quality.

Shifts from Live Sales to Online Judging

Keith discusses his shift from live sales to online platforms, highlighting the benefits for both sheep welfare and breeder convenience:

Keith Barry [49:05]:
"I love the fact that they're not stressed as much... I wish people could see them all."

While appreciating the reduced stress on animals and the efficiency of online sales, he acknowledges the continued importance of live sales for building trust and showcasing sheep quality.

Judging at the American Royal

As the head judge for the upcoming American Royal, Keith shares his excitement and the familial aspect of the role, with his son Tanner serving as the associate judge:

Keith Barry [60:51]:
"We're going to go with the intention of sorting them the way we would see them, regardless of who's got them... Excited to have Tanner in there."

He anticipates a collaborative and enjoyable experience, emphasizing the value of impartial and consistent judging.

Balancing Farming and Sheep Raising

Keith outlines his daily routine, balancing the demands of farming with sheep management:

Keith Barry [56:53]:
"The bulk of the chores are done in the morning... It's a daily grind, prioritizing livestock care alongside farming activities."

He highlights the importance of maintaining livestock health and operational efficiency.

Advice for Young Breeders

Offering guidance to aspiring sheep breeders, Keith emphasizes the importance of sourcing from reputable breeders and maintaining genetic consistency:

Keith Barry [59:00]:
"Find a source or two to buy from that is reputable... Consistency is more crucial for those with larger flocks."

Conclusion

This episode of The Championdrive Podcast provides a dual perspective on the challenges and innovations within the show lamb industry and the trailer sales market. Adam McLean offers practical advice on trailer customization and maintenance, while Keith Barry shares deep insights into sheep breeding trends, industry shifts, and the significance of quality judging in competitions like the American Royal. Both guests underscore the importance of adaptability, consistency, and dedication in their respective fields, offering valuable lessons for listeners engaged in show lamb production and livestock-related businesses.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam McLean [01:04]:
  "There's probably always going to be something that goes wrong... you just have to take it and run with it and figure out what you can do better."

• Steva Robinson [01:46]:
  "No one ever talks about the bad days... it's just part of the game. You're kind of gambling a little bit."

• Keith Barry [38:38]:
  "We've gravitated towards an easier flush and easier keeping sheep with more body... But I think the sheep's milk quality and fertility have faced some challenges."

• Keith Barry [49:05]:
  "I love the fact that they're not stressed as much... I wish people could see them all."

• Keith Barry [59:00]:
  "Find a source or two to buy from that is reputable... Consistency is more crucial for those with larger flocks."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essential discussions and insights shared by Adam McLean and Keith Barry, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.