Kool Runnings Show Lambs Produce Hot Results With The Help of CRYSTALYX® SHEEP-LYX™
Brian Nelson
Sarcoxie, Missouri
November, 2004
Kool Runnings Show Lambs was formed five years ago with the goal of producing elite quality club lambs. Brian and Kasie Nelson decided to take their Sarcoxie, Missouri, operation to a national level with a plan that used the best available genetics, management and nutrition.
In order to make their plan successful, the Nelson's realized that one of their greatest challenges was keeping enough condition on ewes running on pasture.
"We tried feeding high levels of grain to ewes on pasture with mixed results," Brian said. "It concerned us that grain was replacing grass the sheep were designed to eat and needed to utilize for lower feed costs."
Brian looked at different options for a supplement program. Brian got some interesting advice from a feed salesman who was selling a competitive brand, who told him that CRYSTALYX® was the best product on the market. In addition, Brian's father-in-law was a CRYSTALYX® user. Brian took the salesman's advice and tried CRYSTALYX® SHEEP-LYX™ for his ewes. The combination of grass and SHEEP-LYX™ soon began to produce the desired results of improved body condition on the ewes.
The results were almost immediate, as Kool Runnings Show Lambs won or placed high at very competitive shows across the nation. This success created recognition, recognition created demand, and now, just a few years later, the Nelson's sheep are highly sought after, with sales of over 100 lambs per year, in seven states.
In the four years since they began the program Brian has noticed even more positive results from feeding SHEEP-LYX™ .
"Ewes get bred quicker, there's lower death loss at lambing, a higher percentage of multiple births, plus we're saving money by feeding less grain. Once you see the improved performance you will be glad you supplemented with SHEEP-LYX™ , and you'll want to keep it out year round. It lets my ewes utilize pasture to stay in proper condition to be healthy and raise good lambs with the use of very little grain."
Currently, Kool Runnings Show Lambs has 100 brood ewes, markets over 100 show quality lambs a year along with some breeding stock. Lambs are sold on a first come, first served basis, with several consigned to major club lamb sales. They welcome visitors to their Sarcoxie, Missouri, farm. You can find out more about Kool Runnings by visiting www.koolrunningsshowlambs.com.
The Nelson's purchase SHEEP-LYX™ for their sheep and SWEET-14™ for their registered Quarter Horses from Rice Feed in Carthage, Missouri. Rice Feed has been selling CRYSTALYX® for over 10 years and is well respected for the excellent service and information they provide on CRYSTALYX® products to area producers.
Here are just a few of the winning results for Kool Runnings Show Lambs:
- '03 American Royal (Reserve Champion Suffolk)
- '03 Iowa State Fair (Grand Champion ewe overall, 4-H)
- '03 Missouri State Fair (multiple class winners)
- '02 Oklahoma Black & White (Grand Champion natural color)
- '02 Missouri State Fair (Grand Champion carcass on hoof)
- Arkansas State Fair (multiple class winners)
- '01 Arkansas/Oklahoma State Fair (Ft. Smith) (Grand Champion)
- Numerous grand champions and class winners at regional and county fairs
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