Shepherd of the Year

Each year, MSBA recognizes an individual or couple for their distinguished work within the Maryland sheep industry; their unique contribution to the organization itself and their dedication to volunteerism. For 2023, the selection committee chose Steve Breeding.

2023 Shepherd of the Year: Steve Breeding

Steve is an experienced shepherd, dedicated to the sheep industry. His sheep operation includes raising 150 – 200 lambs per year and selling directly to a packer. He lambs several times a year.

Steve started his sheep career in high school showing club lambs. His passion for sheep started after selling his senior year show heifer a month before the fair to purchase four club lamb ewes. The flock grew to about 80 ewes where they sold lambs to local junior showmen. Over the years the flock has transitioned to commercial Polypay/Dorset genetics to fill a need for ethnic markets. Currently Steve and his mother own Shepherds Hope Farms, which run 150 ewes in an extensively managed confinement operation along with a herd of registered Angus cattle and about 100 acres for hay, corn, and beans. They work in conjunction with another farm in Pennsylvania to also feed about 200 lambs a year.

Steve served on the MSBA board of directors for three years and was elected president of MSBA in October of 2023. Steve has always participated in board meetings and volunteers at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. He has participated and is a hands-on volunteer at the Maryland Shearing School. He manages all of this while his home farm is in Seaford, Delaware.

American lamb and agriculture are a major part of Steve’s life. He currently serves as the Delaware Farm Bureau vice president, Sussex County Farm Bureau president, and serves on the American Farm Bureau Federation promotion and education national committee. He is also very active in ASI where he serves on the National Lamb Promotion Committee. Steve currently serves on the American Lamb Board as the eastern region small producer. In the little free time Steve has, he enjoys training border collies and waterfowl hunting.