Michael Pope graduated from Purdue University in May of 2014 with a Bachelors degree in Agricultural Economics. His decision to attend Purdue University was driven by his passion for the Agricultural Industry. Michael was a 10 year 4-H member in Shelby County, Indiana and was also involved in a local FFA Chapter! He graduated from Morristown High School in 2010.
One day as young kid (around first grade), Michael was at a neighbors house helping them walk their 4-H lambs. He didn't know anything about sheep at the time, however he knew he liked them. It wasn't long before he was old enough to participate in 4-H and he was able to convince his mother to buy their first sheep! It was a Polled Dorset ewe lamb from the Jimmy Robertson family in Indiana. Michael had a blast that summer, and he and his mom quickly realized that "this sheep thing" would not be a one summer project! Over the next few years, Michael built up sheep contacts and made friends in the local area. He became friends with another Dorset exhibitor at his county fair, Joel Parker. Joel was willing to work with us and helped get our program started. The first lambs that were born at our house were out of one of Joel's rams that he allowed us to breed to. Michael also got to know Frank McDaniel, a Polled and Horned Dorset breeder from the neighboring county. Michael worked with both Frank and Joel to start learning the art of sheep trimming! As time progressed, Michael began trimming on his own and began partaking in larger events! Michael made his first big wave in the National scene in 2009 when he purchased "Big Girl" RF 5028 at the Ohio Dorset Sale and then successfully campaigned her at the summer and fall shows. Then in 2010, he had the opportunity to work for Riverwood Farms during the Ohio Dorset sale and Jeremy Etzler during the Mid West Stud Ram sale. Michael was able to further his knowledge and trimming abilities because of these experiences! The following year, Michael became partners with Dick Reece of Purple Ribbon Farms on a fall buck named "Purple Reign". This partnership allowed yet another friendship to form within the breed! Then at Sedalia in 2011, Michael got his first National banner (albeit a reserve) and he hasn't looked back since!
Nowadays, Michael maintains a flock of about 50-60 brood ewes. Our flock contains a heavy genetic influence from the former Riverwood Farms flock of Ohio. We also have found success with Spilde Brother's genetics! You can also find other genetics in our pedigrees. These include Purple Ribbon Farms, Pine Ridge Dorsets, Crouch Dorsets, Twin Oaks Dorsets, and others! Michael has aged out of the Junior shows however he still plans to participate in the major open shows that he has been exhibiting at! He loves the Dorset Breed and the sheep industry. He feels blessed to have the friendships that the industry has provided him!
Michael was elected onto the Continental Dorset Club's Board of Directors in September of 2015. He is currently serving as the Board President for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. As part of his responsibilities on the board, Michael has been organizing and running the Great Lakes Regional Junior Dorset Show since 2016.
One day as young kid (around first grade), Michael was at a neighbors house helping them walk their 4-H lambs. He didn't know anything about sheep at the time, however he knew he liked them. It wasn't long before he was old enough to participate in 4-H and he was able to convince his mother to buy their first sheep! It was a Polled Dorset ewe lamb from the Jimmy Robertson family in Indiana. Michael had a blast that summer, and he and his mom quickly realized that "this sheep thing" would not be a one summer project! Over the next few years, Michael built up sheep contacts and made friends in the local area. He became friends with another Dorset exhibitor at his county fair, Joel Parker. Joel was willing to work with us and helped get our program started. The first lambs that were born at our house were out of one of Joel's rams that he allowed us to breed to. Michael also got to know Frank McDaniel, a Polled and Horned Dorset breeder from the neighboring county. Michael worked with both Frank and Joel to start learning the art of sheep trimming! As time progressed, Michael began trimming on his own and began partaking in larger events! Michael made his first big wave in the National scene in 2009 when he purchased "Big Girl" RF 5028 at the Ohio Dorset Sale and then successfully campaigned her at the summer and fall shows. Then in 2010, he had the opportunity to work for Riverwood Farms during the Ohio Dorset sale and Jeremy Etzler during the Mid West Stud Ram sale. Michael was able to further his knowledge and trimming abilities because of these experiences! The following year, Michael became partners with Dick Reece of Purple Ribbon Farms on a fall buck named "Purple Reign". This partnership allowed yet another friendship to form within the breed! Then at Sedalia in 2011, Michael got his first National banner (albeit a reserve) and he hasn't looked back since!
Nowadays, Michael maintains a flock of about 50-60 brood ewes. Our flock contains a heavy genetic influence from the former Riverwood Farms flock of Ohio. We also have found success with Spilde Brother's genetics! You can also find other genetics in our pedigrees. These include Purple Ribbon Farms, Pine Ridge Dorsets, Crouch Dorsets, Twin Oaks Dorsets, and others! Michael has aged out of the Junior shows however he still plans to participate in the major open shows that he has been exhibiting at! He loves the Dorset Breed and the sheep industry. He feels blessed to have the friendships that the industry has provided him!
Michael was elected onto the Continental Dorset Club's Board of Directors in September of 2015. He is currently serving as the Board President for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. As part of his responsibilities on the board, Michael has been organizing and running the Great Lakes Regional Junior Dorset Show since 2016.
The other integral part of the Pope Dorsets team is Michael's mother, Donna! Donna grew up on grain farm in West/Central Indiana which is now operated by her brother. She was a 10 year 4-H member in Putnam County, Indiana. After Graduating from North Putnam High School, Donna attended the University of Indianapolis where she received her degree and became a Registered Nurse! After graduating, Donna went to work for Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis as a Labor and Delivery Nurse which is where she continues to work today! She has become quite fond of the sheep industry as she has watched Michael grow up in it and she has also made numerous friends from across the county!
Many of you probably don't realize that Matt exists (Sorry Matt!). He is Michael's older brother. Matt was also a 10 year 4-H member in Shelby County, Indiana, however his livestock projects were limited. He is fond of the livestock industry but he found his niche elsewhere. He is still important to our operation though! Over the years, Matt has been willing to step in when needed! He helps with barn checks during lambing season and when he's available, he does chores when Donna and Michael are out of town.
Matt also graduated from Morristown High School. He then attained a Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain Management from IUPUI. He then went back to IUPUI for his Masters degree in Non-Profit Business Management.
Matt also graduated from Morristown High School. He then attained a Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain Management from IUPUI. He then went back to IUPUI for his Masters degree in Non-Profit Business Management.