Scholarships

Brooklyn Jones

Brooklyn Jones began her journey in sheep farming with a Southdown lamb won in an essay contest. Growing up on a family farm, she learned the ropes from her older siblings, and as they moved on, Brooklyn took on the responsibility of the operation herself. Now, in her twelfth year of lambing, she has experienced remarkable personal growth—from a curious four-year-old to an 18-year-old winning showmanship classes and teaching others.

Raising sheep has instilled in Brooklyn the values of patience, teamwork, and hard work. She takes pride in sharing her knowledge with the community and nurturing a passion for farming in her younger cousins and friends. As the flock's sole caretaker, Brooklyn prioritizes her animals' well-being, handling everything from feeding to prepping for shows. The connections she’s built with customers who enjoy meals made from her lambs further fuel her passion. Brooklyn looks forward to expanding her breeding program and continuing to share the joy of farm life.

David D. Thompson

David D. Thompson has been involved in sheep farming for over a decade. What began with three wethers for county fair projects has grown into a thriving operation of more than 200 sheep, including six registered breeds. This year, David and his family raised over 170 lambs and plan to showcase their sheep at various local, state, and national events.

Now living on a college campus, David stays connected to the farm through daily calls and emails. His responsibilities include monitoring flock health, managing breeding schedules, and ensuring proper care for the sheep. His hands-on experience has led to significant achievements, including placing 4th in the senior division of skillathon at the 2023 All-American Junior Sheep Show and winning Champion and Reserve Bred and Owned honors with his Border Leicester ewes at the Wisconsin State Fair.

David values positive community engagement and enjoys mentoring younger members in sheep care. He leads seminars and helps families new to sheep farming learn essential skills. This year, he guided two families who successfully showcased their sheep at the county fair, reaffirming his commitment to fostering the next generation of sheep enthusiasts.

Kyliegha Daniels

Kyliegha Daniels began her sheep journey at seven years old and has developed a deep passion for farming over the past decade. Initially starting with a Gelbvieh heifer, she soon realized her true interest lay in sheep, beginning with a loaned ewe and a wether.

Growing up on her family farm, Kyliegha took on responsibilities like feeding, watering, and managing her flock. Her involvement with the Wisconsin Lamb Breeders Association (WLBA) Show camps enhanced her skills in showmanship and sheep management while fostering lasting friendships.

After moving to Monona in third grade, she adapted by visiting her grandparents weekly to work with her sheep. Notable achievements include winning Reserve Champion Southdown Ewe at the All-American Junior Sheep Show in 2016. Her flock has grown to 35-40 sheep, allowing her to deepen her knowledge of genetics and breeding. Traveling to shows nationwide, she enjoys sharing her knowledge, especially with underrepresented communities and has worked with special needs children to give them opportunities in agriculture. Kyliegha plans to pursue a psychology degree at North Carolina Central University, using her communication skills from her sheep experiences to connect with and help others.