Show Awards
All awards displayed are up to date as of August 9, 2023 and display awards from August 2018 to present date.
2021 National Results
Three-peat!
Crossroad Columbias of Simms, Montana has done the impossible by winning the National Columbia Wool Show THREE YEARS IN A ROW! "Shiner Bock," the ram that sheared this year's winning fleece, also sheared the winning fleece in 2019. A son sheared the winning fleece in 2020--as a lamb.
Prairie Island Columbias (Margaret and Jim Eller, a nearby neighbor of Klick's) exhibited both the Reserve Champion and third place ewe fleeces.
Other Montana fleeces of note were junior's Faith Gasvoda's (Big Sandy) ewe fleece placing 4th and Hart Sheep Company's (Great Falls) fourth place ram fleece that microned a 23.4.
2021 marks the sixth year in a row that a Montana fleece has won the CSBA national wool show.
Three-peat!
Crossroad Columbias of Simms, Montana has done the impossible by winning the National Columbia Wool Show THREE YEARS IN A ROW! "Shiner Bock," the ram that sheared this year's winning fleece, also sheared the winning fleece in 2019. A son sheared the winning fleece in 2020--as a lamb.
Prairie Island Columbias (Margaret and Jim Eller, a nearby neighbor of Klick's) exhibited both the Reserve Champion and third place ewe fleeces.
Other Montana fleeces of note were junior's Faith Gasvoda's (Big Sandy) ewe fleece placing 4th and Hart Sheep Company's (Great Falls) fourth place ram fleece that microned a 23.4.
2021 marks the sixth year in a row that a Montana fleece has won the CSBA national wool show.
|
2020 National Results
Overall Champion Ram Fleece: Heidi and Conner Klick, Crossroad Columbias This fleece was from a ram lamb who was sired by the ram who sheared the 2019 National Champion Fleece Reserve Overall Champion and 1st place Ewe Fleece: Rhylee Diehl 2020 marked the fifth year running Montana had received Overall Champion Fleece honors Pictured Right: Heidi Klick with the Overall Champion Ram Fleece |
|
|
2019 National Results
Overall Champion Ram Fleece: Conner Klick, Crossroad Columbias Champion Ewe Fleece: Blackman Columbias 2019 marked the fourth year running Montana had received Overall Champion Fleece honors Raina Blackman was elected as the Mountain Time Zone Director of the Columbia Sheep Breeders Association of America Jean Blackman was a winner of the CSBA's Video Competition Pictured Left: Champion ram fleece: Hart Sheep Company
|
Gene and Mary Langhus of Langhus Columbias were inducted into the Montana Columbia Sheep Breeders Association Hall of Fame at the annual Show and Sale held in August of 2018.
Recognizing Individuals
|
ASI Annual Photo Contest
Congratulations to Jean Blackman on her entry to ASI's annual photography contest. It received an honorable mention and was the back cover of the 2023 calendar. |
|
Congratulations to Columbia sheep producer Loni Blackman - Prairie Star article May 8, 2020
A yearling Columbia ram bred and raised by Loni Blackman of Craig, Mont., achieved "Certified Columbia Ram" status based on his performance during the 2019-20 North Dakota Ram Test in Hettinger, ND.
Blackman's 19098 ram (CSBA registration Y-16447) is a May-born, RR twin sired by Langhus G538 (CSBA registration Y-12783), a ram that was on test in the final year of the Central Montana Ram Test. He is out of L Blackman 967 (CSBA registration Y-12873), an aged ewe bred and raised by Blackman that has a 225 percent lambing rate. Over the course of 140 days on test, 19098 gained 0.86 pounds per day and had a fleece fiber diameter of 23.97 microns a 365-day estimated staple length of 4.3 inches, and rib eye area of 1.3 square inches per 100 pounds of body weight.
When asked to describe 19098's dam, Blackman was brief. "She's a traditional open-faced, range-type ewe." Four generations back in this ewe's pedigree is Blackman's very first sheep, a bum lamb that she named Elsheila, who went on to become the foundation of her flock.
Such extended generational connections speak to Blackman's dedication to the genetics for which the entire Blackman family is noted. Her parents, Raina and Scott, are long-time Columbia producers and her younger sister, Jean, is integral to the operation, as well. It also hints at Blackman's sure eye for quality and for genetic combinations that work. In fact, Raina admits, "Loni has been kicking our butts in the ram department ever since we gave her this ram's great-great-grandmothers as a bum 22 years ago.
A focus on performance-measured objectively, documented artfully, and used as the basis for retention and for culling - underpins Blackman's and her family's management. Their reliance on objective data fits hand-in-glove with the rationale built into ram tests, where rams are fed, managed, and measured under identical conditions, making it possible to make "apples-to-apples" comparisons of their performance.
Consistency of conditions and measurement are essential components of the relatively new "Certified Columbia Ram" program. Certification criteria were established in 2018 and the program recognized its first recipients in 2019. The criteria honor the dual-purpose breed standards that were established in 1941, when the Columbia association was first organized, but they also include traits more recently recognized as important for both seed stock and commercial producers. The Columbia Sheep Breeders Association is the first among the white-faced range sheep to establish a minimum acceptable ribeye area. That ribeye criterion in intended to put pressure on the trait without sacrificing an of the important maternal and dual-purpose breed qualities. The goals of the certification program are to identify rams that allow the breed to make steady progress in multiple, objectively measured traits, to challenge seed stock producers to improve their own flocks, and to proved registered and commercial producers with additional decision-making tools.
Based on production data that were revealed during his time on test, as well as impressive lambing rate of his dam, Blackman will keep newly certified ram 19098 for use within the Blackman family's flock. He exemplifies the dual-purpose qualities of weight gain , carcass quality, and fleece traits for which Columbia sheep were bred-qualities that Blackman stresses in her flock.
A yearling Columbia ram bred and raised by Loni Blackman of Craig, Mont., achieved "Certified Columbia Ram" status based on his performance during the 2019-20 North Dakota Ram Test in Hettinger, ND.
Blackman's 19098 ram (CSBA registration Y-16447) is a May-born, RR twin sired by Langhus G538 (CSBA registration Y-12783), a ram that was on test in the final year of the Central Montana Ram Test. He is out of L Blackman 967 (CSBA registration Y-12873), an aged ewe bred and raised by Blackman that has a 225 percent lambing rate. Over the course of 140 days on test, 19098 gained 0.86 pounds per day and had a fleece fiber diameter of 23.97 microns a 365-day estimated staple length of 4.3 inches, and rib eye area of 1.3 square inches per 100 pounds of body weight.
When asked to describe 19098's dam, Blackman was brief. "She's a traditional open-faced, range-type ewe." Four generations back in this ewe's pedigree is Blackman's very first sheep, a bum lamb that she named Elsheila, who went on to become the foundation of her flock.
Such extended generational connections speak to Blackman's dedication to the genetics for which the entire Blackman family is noted. Her parents, Raina and Scott, are long-time Columbia producers and her younger sister, Jean, is integral to the operation, as well. It also hints at Blackman's sure eye for quality and for genetic combinations that work. In fact, Raina admits, "Loni has been kicking our butts in the ram department ever since we gave her this ram's great-great-grandmothers as a bum 22 years ago.
A focus on performance-measured objectively, documented artfully, and used as the basis for retention and for culling - underpins Blackman's and her family's management. Their reliance on objective data fits hand-in-glove with the rationale built into ram tests, where rams are fed, managed, and measured under identical conditions, making it possible to make "apples-to-apples" comparisons of their performance.
Consistency of conditions and measurement are essential components of the relatively new "Certified Columbia Ram" program. Certification criteria were established in 2018 and the program recognized its first recipients in 2019. The criteria honor the dual-purpose breed standards that were established in 1941, when the Columbia association was first organized, but they also include traits more recently recognized as important for both seed stock and commercial producers. The Columbia Sheep Breeders Association is the first among the white-faced range sheep to establish a minimum acceptable ribeye area. That ribeye criterion in intended to put pressure on the trait without sacrificing an of the important maternal and dual-purpose breed qualities. The goals of the certification program are to identify rams that allow the breed to make steady progress in multiple, objectively measured traits, to challenge seed stock producers to improve their own flocks, and to proved registered and commercial producers with additional decision-making tools.
Based on production data that were revealed during his time on test, as well as impressive lambing rate of his dam, Blackman will keep newly certified ram 19098 for use within the Blackman family's flock. He exemplifies the dual-purpose qualities of weight gain , carcass quality, and fleece traits for which Columbia sheep were bred-qualities that Blackman stresses in her flock.
MONTANA FFA
|
Congratulations to starter flock member Jordan Leach. Her winning essay and interview earned her Colleen Barnard's Most Inspirational prize winner. This year, the contest's prompt was "If you could sit down to dinner with anyone, alive or historical, who would it be and why?" She wrote her essay about one of her biggest mentors, the late Mr. Bill Jimmerson. The impact he had on her and the FFA organization as a whole was immeasurable and drives her to carry on his legacy through acts of love and service. This is the second time Jordan has been named Most Inspirational member.
|
|
Lucas Johnson, Hinsdale, MT, received the American FFA Degree at the 2018 National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is one of the highest awards that can be bestowed at the National FFA Convention. Lucas was a member of the Hinsdale FFA Chapter and his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) included his flock of Registered Columbia which he began when he was awarded the Starter Flock grant at age 12.
Lucas graduated from MSU Bozeman with a degree in Math Education in the Spring of 2019.
Lucas graduated from MSU Bozeman with a degree in Math Education in the Spring of 2019.
Jean Blackman (left) and Jordan Leach (right) were named winners in the Montana FFA "Most Inspirational" essay contest. This unique competition encourages FFA members to describe their personal journey to inspire others about agriculture, agricultural education and FFA. Jean and Jordan were selected as state finalists following the submission of the essays. Twelve state finalists advanced with an interview and written test during the Montana FFA State Convention held in April of 2018.
Jean's parents are Scott and Raina Blackman with Blackman Columbias in Wolf Creek, MT. During State Convention, Jean also received her State FFA Degree, was the state proficiency winner in Outdoor Recreation, and was the Montana State Star in Agriscience. Jean plans to attend Montana State University to study Agricultural Education starting in the fall of 2019.
Jordan was selected as the Starter Flock recipient in 2017 and as a beginning FFA member, she has a bright future ahead of her. Jordan was named the winner of the Montana FFA "Most Inspirational" contest and received a $1,000 scholarship.
Jean's parents are Scott and Raina Blackman with Blackman Columbias in Wolf Creek, MT. During State Convention, Jean also received her State FFA Degree, was the state proficiency winner in Outdoor Recreation, and was the Montana State Star in Agriscience. Jean plans to attend Montana State University to study Agricultural Education starting in the fall of 2019.
Jordan was selected as the Starter Flock recipient in 2017 and as a beginning FFA member, she has a bright future ahead of her. Jordan was named the winner of the Montana FFA "Most Inspirational" contest and received a $1,000 scholarship.
Antilla Walker, a starter flock recipient from 2016, was awarded Gold in the Diversified Livestock Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency area and was the first place individual in the Livestock Judging Career Development Event (CDE) at the 2019 Montana FFA State Convention.
Shepherds Lost
Laura Ann Potter Lodman McMillan, 82, succumbed to cancer Thursday evening at her Beaver Creek home outside of Lewistown surrounded by her family. Laura was born January 9, 1937, on a cold winter day in the Livingston hospital, the daughter of John V. "Dude" Potter Sr. and Ruth (Potts) Potter. She joined an older brother, John Jr., at their home in White Sulphur Springs.
Laura was a "city girl' but she enjoyed visiting the ranch of her best friend Barbara (Buckingham) Hickey where they could feed lambs and ride horses. She grew up next to the White Sulphur Springs rodeo grounds and loved horses and going to rodeos. Laura graduated from high school in 1955 and followed her brother to the University of Montana (known as Montana State University) graduating in 1959 with a degree in elementary education. While at UM, she was a member of the Tri-Delta sorority house.
Laura accepted a teaching job at Garfield school in Lewistown and taught Third Grade from 1959 until 1965. She married Bob Lodman, a ranched from Beaver Creek, on July 27, 1963. Their first child Elizabeth was born in 1996 followed by son Mark in 1971. Laura easily settled into life in the country and helped Bob raise cattle, sheep and hay. They were active in the Central Montana Simmental Association.
On August 11, 1981, Bob died of a heart attack at the age of 46. With the help of her brother-in-law, Jerry Lodman, Laura and her children continued to live on the ranch and raise cattle. On February 13, 1997, Laura married her neighbor Angus McMillan and moved to his ranch 5 miles down Beaver Creek where they raised Shorthorn cattle and Columbia sheep.
Laura was a member of the American Association of University Women, General Federation of Women’s Club, Beaver Creek Extension Club, Lewistown Fiber Arts Guild, and the Episcopal Church. Laura enjoyed researching her family history that dated back to the 1600’s in England. She read British history books, watched British TV shows, and was thrilled to visit Scotland and Ireland with her children in 2013. Laura loved to grow flowers, sew quilts, and spin and knit with her own wool. She always had chocolate chip cookies in the cookie jar. She was a wonderful Grandma and incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren.
Survivors include her 2nd husband Angus McMillan; daughter Elizabeth (Alan Stine); son Mark (fiancée Emily Hinz); and grandchildren Carrie Stine, Nicole Stine and Christopher Lodman. She was preceded in death by her parents John & Ruth Potter, husband Bob Lodman, and brother John Potter Jr.
Laura was a "city girl' but she enjoyed visiting the ranch of her best friend Barbara (Buckingham) Hickey where they could feed lambs and ride horses. She grew up next to the White Sulphur Springs rodeo grounds and loved horses and going to rodeos. Laura graduated from high school in 1955 and followed her brother to the University of Montana (known as Montana State University) graduating in 1959 with a degree in elementary education. While at UM, she was a member of the Tri-Delta sorority house.
Laura accepted a teaching job at Garfield school in Lewistown and taught Third Grade from 1959 until 1965. She married Bob Lodman, a ranched from Beaver Creek, on July 27, 1963. Their first child Elizabeth was born in 1996 followed by son Mark in 1971. Laura easily settled into life in the country and helped Bob raise cattle, sheep and hay. They were active in the Central Montana Simmental Association.
On August 11, 1981, Bob died of a heart attack at the age of 46. With the help of her brother-in-law, Jerry Lodman, Laura and her children continued to live on the ranch and raise cattle. On February 13, 1997, Laura married her neighbor Angus McMillan and moved to his ranch 5 miles down Beaver Creek where they raised Shorthorn cattle and Columbia sheep.
Laura was a member of the American Association of University Women, General Federation of Women’s Club, Beaver Creek Extension Club, Lewistown Fiber Arts Guild, and the Episcopal Church. Laura enjoyed researching her family history that dated back to the 1600’s in England. She read British history books, watched British TV shows, and was thrilled to visit Scotland and Ireland with her children in 2013. Laura loved to grow flowers, sew quilts, and spin and knit with her own wool. She always had chocolate chip cookies in the cookie jar. She was a wonderful Grandma and incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren.
Survivors include her 2nd husband Angus McMillan; daughter Elizabeth (Alan Stine); son Mark (fiancée Emily Hinz); and grandchildren Carrie Stine, Nicole Stine and Christopher Lodman. She was preceded in death by her parents John & Ruth Potter, husband Bob Lodman, and brother John Potter Jr.
Peggy Eldridge, 71, of Missoula, Montana, passed away on February 12, 2019. Peggy is survived by her husband Ted; son Chuck; daughter in-law Rachel; grandchildren Hannah, Olivia, Jacob, Raphael; great-granddaughter Evelyn; and siblings Norman, Donna, Nancy Robert, and Gerald. When her son, Chuck, reached 4-H, Peggy started what became one of her passions--Columbia sheep. She raised and showed Columbia sheep for over 20 years. She was an active member of the Columbia Sheep Breeders Association of America and the Montana Columbia Sheep Breeders Association for many years. Peggy was one of the amazing committee members whenever a National Show and Sale was held in Great Falls, Montana. She knew how to get the job done!
Peggy loved animals and was a pet groomer in her own studio, the Grooming Depot. She also loved to decorate for Christmas, sew and embroider. Memorials can be made to AniMeals in honor of her love of animals.
Peggy loved animals and was a pet groomer in her own studio, the Grooming Depot. She also loved to decorate for Christmas, sew and embroider. Memorials can be made to AniMeals in honor of her love of animals.
Thomas Walter Grimes passed away September 7, 2018 at the age of 87. Tom was born July 19, 1931 to Walter and Corinne Butler Grimes. He lived his entire life in Cascade, MT, graduating from Cascade High School in 1949. Tom married Barbara Spotts on November 7, 1956 and moved to the family ranch southeast of Cascade, where they raised their four daughters. Tom worked the ranch all his life raising cattle and Columbia, Hampshire and Suffolk sheep. He was active in the sheep industry and won many awards in sheep shows and sales. He was a member of the Columbia Sheep Breeders Association, Montana State Fair Superintendent and participated in wool shows around the USA. Upon his retirement from ranching, Tom drove school buses for the Cascade School District for many years and enjoyed going into town to play cribbage with “the boys” every morning.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara; sister, Marjorie Grimes Webb of Nampa, ID; daughters, Tammy (Ed) Scherman of Anamoose, ND, Kelly (Brett) Williams of Helena, MT, Leslie Grimes, Ron English of St. Cloud, MN and Rena Grimes, Rob Creel of Helena, MT; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, plus a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Helen Warehime and Alice Cobb.
Tom was inducted into the Montana Columbia Sheep Breeders Association Hall of Fame in 2000.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara; sister, Marjorie Grimes Webb of Nampa, ID; daughters, Tammy (Ed) Scherman of Anamoose, ND, Kelly (Brett) Williams of Helena, MT, Leslie Grimes, Ron English of St. Cloud, MN and Rena Grimes, Rob Creel of Helena, MT; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, plus a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Helen Warehime and Alice Cobb.
Tom was inducted into the Montana Columbia Sheep Breeders Association Hall of Fame in 2000.