The Championdrive Podcast: Episode 2.8 Summary
Release Date: December 7, 2024
Hosts: Katelyn Sister Urban and Steva Robinson
Title: ALL about the kids! Kade Tegtmeier's story that has led him to where he is, and the Miller Sisters success at the State Fair of Texas
Description: Championdrive.com's podcast covers weekly news and topics in the show lamb industry, including show results, judge and breeder interviews, and more.
Introduction
In Episode 2.8 of The Championdrive Podcast, hosts Katelyn Sister Urban and Steva Robinson delve into heartwarming stories of young breeders making significant strides in the show lamb and goat industries. The episode features an inspiring interview with Kade Tegmeyer from Ohio and highlights the impressive achievements of the Miller Sisters from Texas at the State Fair of Texas.
Lambing Season: A Tale of Two Perspectives
The episode kicks off with Katelyn and Steva discussing their differing views on lambing season, a pivotal time in the sheep industry.
Steva Robinson expresses her disdain for lambing season, citing disrupted schedules and discomfort:
“I don’t like it … it takes away from my sleep schedule … and I just don't like being like that gross. Like all that slimy, nasty stuff all over you all the time.”
(00:37-01:14)
In contrast, Katelyn Sister Urban shares her enthusiasm for the efficiency and productivity that lambing groups bring:
“It's like my favorite 7 to 10 day window when we have a AI lambing group … I sometimes feel like after you have a really hard pull … it’s a really good sense of accomplishment.”
(01:39-02:05)
The friendly debate culminates in a call for listener engagement on Champion Drive’s social media to weigh in on their own preferences regarding lambing season.
Interview with Kade Tegmeyer: From Novice to Champion
Steva Robinson introduces Kade Tegmeyer, a dedicated young breeder from West Salem, Ohio, whose journey in the show lamb industry exemplifies hard work and passion.
Kade’s Background and Entry into Show Lambing
Kade’s introduction to sheep farming began in his first year of 4H when his cousins introduced him to Southdowns:
“They took me out that first year to get my sheep … it just kind of grew from there.”
(05:18-06:16)
He transitioned from showing at the county fair level, initially breaking even, to actively breeding his own sheep to achieve better economic outcomes:
“I decided to start breeding some of my own … I bought my first ewe from Jim and Andy Sloan, which totally changed everything for me.”
(06:24-07:45)
Show Success and Growth
Kade shares his pride in being a reserve champion at his competitive county fair, highlighting the unique satisfaction of raising a sheep from birth to show:
“I was able to raise myself … as an 18-year-old kid … be right there with [experienced breeders]. So I thought that was pretty special.”
(07:45-09:05)
Balancing Athletics and Breeding Responsibilities
Balancing athletics, particularly running, with breeding responsibilities posed significant challenges for Kade. He describes his disciplined approach to managing both commitments:
“If I was at cross country practice, I was going to give 100 to cross country. But when I got home, I was going to give a hundred percent to my show lambs.”
(10:16-11:35)
Kade reflects on how stopping running affected his show performance, attributing improved results to his physical conditioning:
“I feel like I wasn't as good of a showman. Now I quit running, my legs weren't in shape … it had something to do with it.”
(11:35-12:34)
Mentorship and Advice
Kade emphasizes the importance of mentorship, especially from industry veterans Jim and Andy Sloan, who played pivotal roles in his development:
“If it wasn't for them, I won't be sitting here talking to you right now … they have offered me so much help and guidance.”
(12:44-14:02)
His advice to young breeders centers on building strong relationships and seeking guidance:
“Build a relationship with a breeder that you know very well … get uncomfortable at times and do things that you want to be used to doing.”
(14:18-14:57)
Katelyn closes the interview by congratulating Kade on his achievements and encouraging listeners to connect with him:
“Be sure to contact Kade when you're in Wayne County so he can show you the lambs that he's raised.”
(15:03-15:10)
Show Lamb of the Year Contest
The podcast transitions to discussing the Show Lamb of the Year contest, a prestigious accolade recognizing outstanding show lambs across various categories.
Katelyn Sister Urban explains the origins and structure of the contest, crediting Dwayne Fisher for its inception:
“Dwayne Fisher said we should have a Man of the Year … it ended up being really good.”
(15:14-17:08)
The contest features categories such as Male of the Year, Female of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Show Lamb of the Year, with top nominees from across the country. Notable contenders include:
- Landry Lane's Grand at Fort Worth – Raised by Chad Walker Livestock.
- Gabby Routes Grand at Show Reno – Raised by Amber Geen.
- Sadie Allen’s Grand Market Lamb at Tulsa – Bred by Tuck Brothers.
- Brinley Hogg’s Brooking – Bred by Begolka and a multiple-time champion.
- Kyle Rehacks Grand at the Nebraska State Fair 4H – Bred by Hasselbrook Show Lambs.
- Colby Williams’ Platinum Shelton 'Hot Mess' – A recent champion at Louisville.
- Zach Tressler’s Chief – Champion at Indiana State Fair, bred by Ricky Club Lambs.
- Kylie Langley’s Grand at the Iowa State Fair FFA Show – Bred by Birch, potentially the first to win both All Iowa Showdown and Grand.
Listeners are encouraged to vote for their favorites by December 8th, with winners announced at the beginning of the following year. The contest is sponsored by Showrite, with plans to feature Cooper from Show Rite in the next episode.
Spotlight on the Miller Sisters: Success at the Texas State Fair
The second major segment features an interview with Reagan and Rylan Miller, the Miller Sisters from Texas, who achieved grand and reserve grand market titles for goats at the State Fair of Texas.
Achievements and Preparations
Reagan and Rylan recount their excitement upon winning:
Reagan: “I was beyond excited … since we got both pieces, I was extremely happy.”
(21:30-21:40)
Rylan: “I felt like our work has paid off … this is my first year to show.”
(21:40-21:47)
Their preparation involved consistent training and handling of their goats, Skittles and Reese's, overcoming challenges like stubbornness and maintaining a candy-themed barn:
“Every year we do something different … last year it was singers, next year actors.”
(22:29-22:48)
Balancing Sheep and Goats
The Miller Sisters manage both sheep and goats with their family's extensive experience in sheep farming:
Reagan: “My family has been raising sheep for four generations … When they’re showing at the same time, it’s a little stressful, but it works out perfectly.”
(24:04-24:47)
Support System and Daily Routines
Their success is bolstered by a strong support system, including family and industry helpers like Chad Walker and Hadley Owens:
Rylan: “The blue team, our family, and Hadley.”
(25:42-25:46)
Reagan: “Chad helps us pick out our right animals … my family supporting me.”
(25:46-26:00)
A typical weekend involves extensive barn work, balancing school commitments, and additional responsibilities like treadmill training and hair maintenance for their goats:
Rylan: “We’re always out in the barn … work on weekends and after school.”
(25:10-25:31)
Barn Chores and Hobbies
Reagan and Rylan share their favorite barn chores and hobbies outside of livestock management:
Reagan: “Mine's probably drenching … it's very satisfying.”
(26:28-26:47)
Rylan: “Mine is probably feeding them … making a potion.”
(26:47-26:54)
Their favorite animals are the ones they’ve shown at fairs, with a special bond formed through dedication:
Reagan: “The goat we took to state fair … my first major win.”
(27:17-27:28)
Rylan: “The sheep that I took to state fair.”
(27:28-27:32)
Future Aspirations
The sisters express confidence in surpassing their current achievements, particularly aiming to beat their siblings in future competitions:
“I definitely [plan to beat my older sister].”
(28:39-28:40)
Champion Drive Services and Promotions
Katelyn and Steva highlight the various services offered by Champion Drive to support breeders, emphasizing the importance of effective marketing and easy accessibility.
Looking for Falls Feature
A new addition to the Champion Drive Breeder Directory allows breeders to sort by fall-borns, helping buyers plan their purchases:
“Sort by who has fall borns … easy to plan a trip or see where everyone’s located.”
(29:05-29:22)
Breeders are encouraged to update their listings to maximize visibility and sales.
Marketing Packages
Champion Drive offers comprehensive marketing packages that include social media graphics, website updates, and multi-platform promotion to streamline breeders' marketing efforts:
“We have a marketing package … included in our weekly email blast … mentioned on the podcast.”
(33:00-34:22)
The hosts emphasize the importance of a diversified marketing strategy to reach a broader audience, leveraging platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and email marketing.
Closing Remarks
The episode wraps up with Katelyn and Steva expressing their excitement for future content and upcoming sponsorships, particularly thanking Dwayne Fisher and promoting upcoming events and sales.
Steva Robinson highlights the benefits of the collaborative services offered:
“No breeders too small and no breeders too big for us to help you.”
(34:22-35:03)
The hosts tease next week's episode featuring Show Rite and RSG as sponsors, promising continued support and valuable insights for breeders.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
-
Steva Robinson:
“I don’t like it … it takes away from my sleep schedule … and I just don't like being like that gross.”
(00:37-01:14) -
Katelyn Sister Urban:
“It's like my favorite 7 to 10 day window when we have a AI lambing group …”
(02:05-02:21) -
Brian Riley (Kade Tegmeyer):
“If it wasn't for them, I won't be sitting here talking to you right now …”
(12:44-14:02) -
Reagan Miller:
“Our dad tracks four times a week … we have Hadley Owens from Utah help us.”
(25:31-26:16)
Conclusion
Episode 2.8 of The Championdrive Podcast offers an engaging blend of personal stories, industry insights, and community-focused discussions. By highlighting the journeys of young breeders like Kade Tegmeyer and the Miller Sisters, the podcast underscores the dedication and passion driving the show lamb and goat industries forward. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or new to the field, this episode provides valuable lessons, inspiration, and resources to enhance your livestock endeavors.
For those who haven’t listened yet, this detailed summary provides a comprehensive overview of the episode’s key points and highlights the enriching conversations that celebrate the next generation of breeders in the industry.