The Championdrive Podcast - Episode 2.4 Summary
Release Date: October 10, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 2.4 of The Championdrive Podcast, hosts Kaitlyn Sister Urban and Steva Robinson delve deep into two pivotal aspects of the show lamb industry: the science behind BioZyme’s innovative products with Sam Silvers, and essential clipper maintenance tips from Alan Smith, renowned as the Shear Genius.
Breeding Season Insights with Sam Silvers
Timestamp: 00:22 - 04:11
As the state fair season winds down, Sam Silvers, Director of Specialty Livestock at Biozyme Incorporated, shares his experiences navigating through the bustling breeding season. He highlights the shift in conversations from future breeding plans to evaluating past breeding outcomes and managing fall lambing.
Notable Quote:
“The conversation now kind of changes to instead of what are you going to breed to? It's what did you breed to?”
— Sam Silvers [00:37]
Sam expresses his enthusiasm for the upcoming breed sales, mentioning various breeders like Hobbs’s and Nathan Diamond C. He emphasizes the importance of these events for networking and showcasing quality livestock.
DuraFirm Mineral – A Game Changer
Timestamp: 04:43 - 13:46
Sam delves into the unique benefits of Biozyme’s DuraFirm Mineral, distinguishing it from other mineral supplements in the market. The precision prebiotic component is designed to promote gut health and enhance forage utilization, setting DuraFirm apart.
Notable Quotes:
“Dura Firm kind of sets itself apart, being that it has that precision prebiotic in there.”
— Sam Silvers [04:43]
“We make Mineral because that's what we do. We don't make a lot of feeds or anything. We buy quality ingredients.”
— Sam Silvers [05:49]
He further explains the importance of using full organic trace minerals for better bioavailability and faster utilization compared to competitors. The discussion also covers the strategic use of loose mineral versus mineral tubs, weighing the pros and cons of each based on regional and situational needs.
Notable Quote:
“If they're consuming the loose mineral very well, then I think that can help you curtail some costs.”
— Sam Silvers [07:48]
Sam emphasizes that cutting costs should not come at the expense of essential mineral supplementation, warning against the common mistake of reducing mineral intake to save money.
Biozyme Product Innovations
Timestamp: 07:59 - 13:46
The conversation transitions to Biozyme’s range of gels designed to address specific challenges in sheep management:
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Clinch Gel: Developed as an all-natural remedy to curb scours without relying on treatments that could show up on tests. It combines AMA Firm for gut health with natural binders to alleviate scours.
Notable Quote:
“Clinch to offer something that was all natural, that actually works.”
— Sam Silvers [08:59] -
Appetite Plus Gel: Versatile for both home use and show environments, it supports appetite during stressful times such as transitioning to shows or when animals are under illness.
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Climate Control Gel: Contains capsaicin to help regulate internal body temperatures, particularly useful during heat stress in summer jackpots or early fairs.
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Liquid Boost: A favorite among producers, it serves as a crucial supplement during medicated situations, antibiotic treatments, or when animals are under stress, ensuring they remain healthy and "peppy."
Notable Quote:
“Liquid boost is a good choice anytime maybe they go off feed, give them a squirt of liquid boost.”
— Sam Silvers [11:01]
Sam underscores the significance of internal health management, drawing parallels to human wellness trends that prioritize gut health as foundational to overall well-being.
Notable Quote:
“We need to fix everything internally before we can fix everything externally.”
— Sam Silvers [13:46]
Clipper Maintenance Tips with Alan Smith
Timestamp: 18:41 - 75:22
Transitioning from livestock management to equipment upkeep, the podcast features Alan Smith from Sheer Genius, an expert in clipper repair and maintenance. Alan shares his journey from an agricultural teacher to a full-time clipper repair specialist, emphasizing the critical role of proper tool maintenance in the shearing process.
Key Topics Discussed:
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Blade Sharpening Frequency: Alan advises shears should be sharpened based on performance rather than a set schedule. Increased pressure during shearing indicates dull blades and the need for sharpening.
Notable Quote:
“If you have to add exert more pressure on the clipper to push through the wool, then it's probably time to change them out.”
— Alan Smith [35:39] -
Spray and Lubrication: He critiques aerosol-based lubricants, highlighting their rapid evaporation and lack of lasting lubrication. Instead, Alan recommends petroleum-based oils like motor oil or baby oil for effective, long-lasting lubrication.
Notable Quote:
“Oil is what you gotta have something that's petroleum based.”
— Alan Smith [41:28] -
Common Clipper Issues: Alan identifies frequent problems such as kinks in clipper cords caused by tight casing molds and advises using heavy-duty, waterproof clipper boxes to prevent moisture damage and cord deterioration.
Notable Quote:
“Every company makes their boxes too small or the case they sell them in it's too small because they're trying to save space in their warehouses.”
— Alan Smith [66:25] -
Blade Storage Solutions: Proper storage involves using airtight containers filled with petroleum-based oil to prevent rust and corrosion, contrasting sharply with improper methods like soaking blades in vinegar, which can damage them.
Notable Quote:
“Use a Tupperware container and put oil in about halfway up in that container.”
— Alan Smith [57:21] -
Turnaround Time and Customer Service: Alan emphasizes efficient turnaround times for repairs and the importance of clear communication with clients regarding their needs and deadlines.
Notable Quote:
“If somebody's in a bind, I'm going to help them out.”
— Alan Smith [72:42]
Personal Anecdotes and Experiences:
Alan recounts challenges faced during severe lambing issues, learning about the Cache Valley Syndrome, and the emotional toll of losing lambs due to unforeseen health problems. These experiences underscore his dedication to providing reliable support to fellow producers.
Notable Quote:
“When someone tells you that you didn't kill those babies, that was, that meant the world to me.”
— Alan Smith [83:57]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode wraps up with mutual appreciation between the hosts and guests. Sam Silvers commends Alan for his invaluable insights into clipper maintenance, recognizing the importance of such expertise in maintaining high standards in the show lamb industry.
Notable Quote:
“I think you've been really good to work with. And as someone that also has a service business in the industry, like, I really respect that and appreciate it.”
— Sam Silvers [75:00]
Alan echoes the sentiment, encouraging listeners to prioritize internal animal health and proper equipment maintenance to ensure overall flock quality and operational efficiency.
Takeaways
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Internal Health is Paramount: Proper nutritional support, particularly with BioZyme’s DuraFirm Mineral, is essential for maintaining the health and performance of show lambs.
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Equipment Maintenance is Crucial: Regular clipper maintenance, appropriate lubrication, and proper storage can prevent common shearing issues, ensuring longevity and reliability of tools.
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Expertise and Communication: Leveraging expertise from industry professionals like Sam Silvers and Alan Smith can significantly enhance breeding strategies and operational practices.
For more insights and detailed discussions, tune into The Championdrive Podcast weekly for the latest in show lamb results, interviews, and industry tips.