From First Ewes to Data-Driven Genetics: Gavin Blonquist’s Sheep Story

November 13, 2026

For Gavin Blonquist of Blonquist Brothers and Sons in northern Utah, raising sheep has been a lifelong passion. Gavin bought his first two ewes when he was about 12 to 14, starting a journey that grew from showing breeding sheep at local and state shows to producing range rams for commercial operations.

In the American Lamb Board’s newest producer video, which users can find on the Sheep IQ educational hub, Gavin shares how his family’s approach to genetic selection has evolved. Although visual characteristics, sound structure and phenotype remain important, performance data now plays a central role in the operation.

Blonquist Brothers and Sons began submitting records to the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) in 2016. Since then, the operation has used data to make more informed breeding decisions, evaluate sires and females, select replacement ewe lambs and provide customers with a more predictable product. Gavin explains how measurable improvements in growth, muscle and carcass traits demonstrate the value of using NSIP as a practical selection tool.

“When you have your data, you can evaluate and see how many lambs a ewe has raised throughout her life,” says Gavin. “It helps tremendously when retaining or culling ewe lambs. It helps not just with your sires, but on the female side as well.”

Gavin also emphasizes the importance of relationships within the sheep industry. His advice to fellow producers—especially those getting started—is to attend industry meetings, build connections with other producers and develop a strong relationship with a local veterinarian. Challenges are inevitable, but having trusted people to call can make all the difference.

Watch the full producer video on the new Sheep IQ educational hub to learn more about Gavin Blonquist’s operation and how data, genetics and industry relationships continue to shape its success. Developed in partnership with the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), the hub inspires sheep producers to implement innovative strategies that increase productivity and profitability.

Source: ALB

Photo Credit: Blonquist Brothers Suffolk Sheep