[Jacob-list] two horned sheep

[Mark Essen]

I do not have a web site.  I am a retired computer guy (mainframe 
computers) and find that since I left my job, I like my sheep better 
than I like computers.  I have just never gotten around to setting up a 
web page.  I need to get my camera out because I am getting ready to 
sell my herd rams.  Of course, I guess then I would have to download 
some sort of photo package to downsize the photos so that they could be 
emailed.
On the note of selling to breeders or hunters, I am not naive enough to 
think that I can control what the new owner is going to do.  It would be 
nice to think that the genetics could be kept going, but once I have 
money in my hand, I am no longer in control.
In Missouri, if they sell to an unknown buyer (such as an auction) I 
would assume that they are going to a ranch to be shot.  I agree that 
there is no sport or skill involved in this type of hunt, but I do not 
understand why people play golf either.  I guess what I am saying is 
that I do not try to figure everybody out and hope that I can resist 
judging.  But, I also try not to judge people that do judge.
Mark

On 9/7/2011 11:15 AM, Susan J Martin wrote:

> Mark:

> Do you have a web site with pictures of your flock?  I live in PA and 

> have never been to Missouri.....but I always enjoy seeing other flocks 

> albeit via the internet.

> Just a personal opinion -- I refuse to knowingly sell my rams to  game 

> ranch owners, although if I send them to auction that could well 

> be where they end up.  My husband is a dedicated, avid hunter -- and 

> would NEVER consider shooting a domesticated animal and then 

> having the audacity to call it a "hunt."  The pictures posted on the 

> internet and you tube showing "trophy" sheep which in reality are 

> Jacob rams are truly disgusting.

> Sue Martin

> Stonecroft

> _______________________________________________________________________________________

>

>     ----- Original Message -----

>     *From:* Mark Essen <mailto:messen at socket.net>

>     *To:* jacob-list at jacobsheep.com <mailto:jacob-list at jacobsheep.com>

>     *Sent:* Wednesday, September 07, 2011 11:54 AM

>     *Subject:* Re: [Jacob-list] two horned sheep

>

>

>

>     On 9/7/2011 10:03 AM, Carl Fosbrink wrote:

>>     *Mark,*

>>     *    Thank you for enlightening us as to why most people don't

>>     register in Missouri. It is pretty much what I thought.*

>     No problem, my thoughts are given out for free.  I just hope you

>     get your money's worth.

>>     *  ....... snip*

>

>>     *    When buying unregistered stock a person would have to see

>>     the seller's flock to know if what they are buying was out of

>>     good lines or not I would think.*

>>     *    Even when buying registered stock this is a good idea

>>     because the standard is so wide open that flocks can vary greatly

>>     from one flock to another.*

>     You also have to be willing to cull heavily, even one or two

>     generations down the line.

>>     *    I understand the problem with the shooter market paying more

>>     for the adult rams. I find it a shame that I am offered much more

>>     by shooters for a ram than I can get for it as a registered breeder.*

>>     *     I also find that other breeds of sheep bring a much higher

>>     price for breeders than Jacobs do. I keep them because I love the

>>     breed and want to preserve the American Jacob's great qualities

>>     and I hope for a bright future for the breed.*

>     I have often had people ask me how to make money with a farm.  I

>     tell them to sell the farm and invest in something else.   It is

>     fun to watch the eyes and face of a visiter seeing a Jacobs for

>     the first time.  It is extremely rewarding to see a seasoned

>     breeder's jaw drop when they see my sheep.  But, being able to go

>     out in the pasture and see the flock is reward enough for me.

>>     *     I think the JSBA, although it has it's share of problems,

>>     has been the most stable and productive of the registries and

>>     most of the other registries have faded away.*

>     I think people figure out fairly quickly which registries are just

>     collecting money and which are actively working for the breed.  I

>     agree with you that JSBA is stable and productive, and I might

>     add, works for the breed and breeders.

>>     *     How would I know about all those great Jacobs in Missouri

>>     if I wanted to buy some. Would I have to attend all the exotic

>>     auctions and sales?*

>     Grow old raising Jacobs in Missouri.  I am in my mid fifties and

>     have been with Jacobs for over twenty years.  I used to go to all

>     of the sales, swaps, meetings, etc.  I do not go to many events

>     any more, but that is how I met most of the breeders that I know.

>     Mark

>>     **

>>     *Carl*

>>

>>         ----- Original Message -----

>>         *From:* Mark Essen <mailto:messen at socket.net>

>>         *To:* jacob-list at jacobsheep.com

>>         <mailto:jacob-list at jacobsheep.com>

>>         *Sent:* Tuesday, September 06, 2011 8:21 PM

>>         *Subject:* Re: [Jacob-list] two horned sheep

>>

>>         A big Thank you goes out to Robin for her report of the

>>         stats.  I would never have dreamed that two horned Jacobs

>>         were so plentiful.

>>         As many of you know, I have been raising Jacobs for more

>>         years than most and was a proud member of JSBA for all of my

>>         early years.

>>         In Missouri there are Jacobs flocks all over the place.  I do

>>         not know very many that are registered.  But, many of these

>>         flocks are of excellent quality.  The problem is finding all

>>         of these small flocks.  It is not uncommon for me to run into

>>         somebody that sees me wearing a JSBA t-shirt and comes up and

>>         talks about their own small flock.  As it turns out, the

>>         easiest way to find a Jacobs breeder is go to an exotic

>>         sale.  There are at least two in Missouri that happen six

>>         times annually that have great Jacobs.  There are at least

>>         five other sales or swaps that have Jacobs routinely,

>>         although the quality should be questioned.  Then there is the

>>         Small Farm Show that has two JSBA members exhibiting every

>>         year.  At the sales and swaps, you may or may not get papers,

>>         but never pay a premium for registration.  People just do not

>>         care.  I have bought some good quality ewes that continually

>>         produce good quality lambs that have been registered in a

>>         variety of small registries. I think the availability of good

>>         quality unregistered stock is one reason that Missourians are

>>         not quick to join an association.  I think another reason is

>>         that there are a variety of registries that accept Jacobs. 

>>         Five years ago I think I counted six different registries

>>         that would take my money for a certificate.  My background is

>>         JSBA so that is the one that I prefer, but new people have no

>>         clue so just do not bother.

>>         At least, that is my thoughts.

>>         As a side thought, breeders in Missouri cannot afford a

>>         mature four horn quality ram at auction.  The shooting

>>         ranches always have more money.  Breeders buy younger stock

>>         and hope they turn out well.

>>

>>         On 9/6/2011 1:27 AM, Carl Fosbrink wrote:

>>         ..........snip

>>>         *    Missouri is one state where few people raise registered

>>>         Jacobs. Mark can probably enlighten us on why this is. I

>>>         always suspected it was because they have the exotic sales

>>>         there that other states do not have and this gave them a

>>>         market that most other states do not have.*

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>>

>>

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