Episode Summary: The Championdrive Podcast - Episode 2.9

Release Date: December 13, 2024
Title: We caught up with Cooper Newcomb, who is representing ShowRite. We caught up with Jordan Amburgey on behalf of RSG.

1. Introduction and Hosts' Update (00:01 - 02:10)

Hosts: Katelyn Sister Urban and Steva Robinson kick off the episode by discussing the busy season in the show lamb industry. Steva shares insights about her recent travels to Ohio, the challenges of cold weather, and her involvement in podcasting various industry professionals.

Key Points:

• Steva has been busy podcasting industry experts, including Cooper Newcomb from ShowRite and Jordan Amburgey from RSG.
• Upcoming episodes will feature livestock judging coach Maddie Haynes.

2. Cooper Newcomb Interview: Insights from ShowRite (05:19 - 25:47)

Guest: Cooper Newcomb, Representative from ShowRite

a. Cooper’s Journey with ShowRite (05:19 - 09:11)

Cooper shares his eight-year journey with ShowRite, highlighting the company's integration with All Tech and the collaborative environment fostered by specialists like Rob Zielinski and Glenn Martin.

Notable Quote:

"Utilizing all Tech and the technologies that they've got and the capabilities... has made this experience, you know, unforgettable and unimaginable."
(08:05)

b. Regional Feeding Strategies and Challenges (09:11 - 12:34)

Cooper discusses the importance of energy-rich diets in colder climates to prevent muscle loss in lambs. He emphasizes the necessity of maintaining high energy levels and adequate water intake during winter shows.

Notable Quote:

"The colder it gets, the more calories they're going to burn... keep your energy levels up."
(09:22)

c. ShowRite Products and Feeding Programs (12:34 - 23:23)

Cooper delves into ShowRite’s range of feeding products, explaining their specific uses:

• Muscle in Motion: Enhances dimension and mass.
• Starshine: Higher protein and fiber, aids in hardening up lambs.
• Sculpt: Fat burner for leaner presentation.

He also introduces Right Time, a versatile product used throughout different feeding phases to improve hide and handling quality.

Notable Quote:

"If you're feeding one of those yearling weathers for Oklahoma Youth Expo... they might be on a pound a day versus some of our competitors feed where you're always seeming to be feeding two, four, six pounds a day."
(21:12)

d. Common Feeding Mistakes and Best Practices (23:23 - 25:47)

Cooper highlights significant feeding errors, particularly the misconception around feeding rates relative to lamb weight. He stresses the importance of adjusting feed quantities as lambs grow to optimize growth and prevent overfeeding.

Notable Quote:

"Whenever these animals are young, you should be feeding them... and then as they start to get chubbier or softer, then we start to slow them down."
(23:30)

3. Show and Sale Highlights (25:47 - 26:50)

The hosts briefly touch upon current sales and upcoming events:

• Bogulka Livestock's Full Born Online Sale on December 15th featuring diverse lamb options.
• Female of the Year contest sponsored by RSG, with nominees showcasing exceptional lambs across various categories.

4. Jordan Amburgey Interview: Reproductive Excellence with RSG (26:50 - 45:17)

Guest: Jordan Amburgey, Representative from Reproductive Specialty Group (RSG)

a. Jordan’s Role and RSG’s Offerings (31:04 - 32:07)

Jordan explains his role in business development at RSG, focusing on comprehensive program management for small ruminants, including breeding services, animal health, nutrition, and genetics.

Notable Quote:

"We look at the holistic side of things, raising not only the show stock side of stuff, but the commercial side of sheep and goats all year long."
(32:07)

b. Sire Collection Process and New Facilities (32:07 - 36:50)

Jordan outlines the process for sire collection, emphasizing health protocols and the upcoming RSG sire center in Texas. The new facility will feature advanced flooring systems for animal comfort and biosecurity, aiming to be the largest small ruminant semen processing and storage facility globally.

Notable Quote:

"It will be the largest small ruminant semen processing and storage facility in the world."
(35:13)

c. Maximizing Reproductive Success (36:50 - 43:55)

Jordan discusses critical factors for successful reproduction, including animal health, nutrition, and controlled environments. He highlights the importance of body condition scores and stress-free facilities to enhance conception rates.

Notable Quote:

"80% of our animal successes and or failures come from our GI track."
(37:10)

d. Addressing Failures and Improving Flush Outcomes (43:55 - 45:17)

For breeders facing poor conception or flush results, Jordan advises a self-assessment focusing on internal factors like nutrition and health protocols. He defines a successful flush as averaging six and a half transferable embryos, adjusting expectations based on individual breeding programs.

Notable Quote:

"A six and a half transferable average seems to be a very good day for the industry from coast to coast."
(43:55)

5. Conclusion and Upcoming Content (45:17 - End)

The episode wraps up with reminders about current contests:

• Female of the Year Voting ends on December 15th.
• Upcoming themes include Rookie of the Year and Man of the Year.

Final Quote:

"Best of luck to all those exhibitors out there on behalf of ShowRite... there's always another opportunity."
(25:47)

Key Takeaways:

• Feeding Strategies: Adjust feed based on lamb growth stages and environmental conditions to optimize health and presentation.
• Show Preparation: Utilize specialized ShowRite products to enhance lamb dimensions and hide quality.
• Reproductive Management: Holistic approaches encompassing health, nutrition, and environment are crucial for successful breeding programs.
• Industry Engagement: Participation in events and contests like Female of the Year fosters community and showcases excellence in the show lamb industry.

For More Information:

• Visit ChampionDrive.com for sales, event details, and to participate in ongoing contests.
• Explore ShowRite’s product line and RSG’s reproductive services through their respective websites linked on Champion Drive.

Stay Tuned: Next week's episode will feature Rookie of the Year and Man of the Year discussions, continuing to highlight outstanding contributors in the show lamb sector.