Name: Samantha Ludlam
State: Hopkins, MI
FFA Chapter: Hopkins FFA, Region 1
4-H Clubs: Rabbit River Riders and Country Clovers
Daily Routine: As soon as I'm awake and dressed I do my chores which consist of: giving the chickens, horses, rams, ewes, and lambs fresh water and feed/treats if needed. Usually after that I find a project around the farm that needs to be done or ride my horse. Later in the after noon I run and help prepare dinner.
Who has helped you become successful: My parents by far. My mom helps me with all the medical and breeding stuff (she's a vet) and just everything in general and my dad is my sales man who is very picky about fleeces and keeper of the trailer.
Who is your biggest inspiration: Lindy Stitz is one. She is a family friend who has showed sheep with us for a quite a while. She has won many awards (including top gun) and recently graduated med-school.
What is your favorite show and why: I would have to say NAILE (North American International Livestock Exposition) because: 1. It's so huge and just amazing to be there 2.You get to spend a lot of time with all of your friends from all over the country 3. The show itself is really great
What is your biggest accomplishment: I would have to say winning the Shetland Top Gun Award at the All American Junior Show three consecutive years in a row.
What is your favorite lamb of all time: Rainbow. Rainbow is one of our first Shetland ewes ever. She is the training sheep; she'll stand perfectly still, set up her feet, everything including free rides. The best part is when you give her a hug, she'll wag her tail in return
What are you future plans: After I graduate high school I would like to go to college (preferably Michigan State) and either study animal sciences or become a physical therapist. I would also like to own my own farm in the future too.
What are your hobbies outside the showing: Running, horseback riding/showing, reading, and needle/wet felting
What advice would you recommend to other sheep exhibitors: work with your animals. Seriously, nothing will impress a judge more then a well trained animal.
What have you learned in sheep showing that you can apply to the outside world: Career skills, patience, interviewing skills, etc.
State Winnings: N/A (Michigan no longer has a state fair)
National Winnings:
All American Junior Show -
- Reserve Champion Shetland Ram - 2007
- Reserve Champion Shetland Ram - 2009
- Reserve Champion Shetland Ewe - 2010
- Champion Shetland Ram - 2010
- Best Fleece on Hoof - 2010
- Shetland Top Gun Award - 2008, 2009, and 2010
NAILE (North American International Livestock Exposition) -
- Junior Shetland Show Champion Ram 2007
- Junior Shetland Show Champion Ram 2009
- Junior Shetland Show Champion Ewe 2009
- Junior Shetland Show Showmanship 1st place 2007
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