Bill Hurst inducted into Suffolk Sheep Hall of Fame

Friday, September 26, 2014
"The Bill Hurst Award," named for the late Putnam County sheep producer, is presented at the North American International Livestock Exposition for the best headed Suffolk ewe.

Longtime Putnam County Suffolk sheep farmer William "Bill" Hurst was inducted into the National Suffolk Sheep Hall of Fame.

The ceremony took place in Louisville, Ky., at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) last November. Well known and respected sheep breeders from as far as California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Michigan and many more states exhibit their best animals at this show.

Even though Bill died in 2005, his legacy continues at the national office, shows and sales throughout the United States.

Along with this award, a trophy is given yearly at the national show in Hurst's honor for the best headed Suffolk ewe.

Hurst's life centered around the love and development of high-quality Suffolks. He grew up in the Great Depression and his father emphasized the financial gains of raising sheep and working hard.

Bill's love of sheep began early and the life lessons have truly been instilled in his family today. He and his wife (the late Helen Reasor Hurst) scheduled their life around sheep shows, judging clinics and helping and teaching 4-H and FFA kids more about sheep. They exhibited animals, made friends and shared tales with others all over the U.S.

Hurst sold sheep to Chile and Canada, as well as around the U.S. He has also been inducted into the Purdue University Hall of Fame.

Known as a quiet man of strong faith who loved to tell stories, Hurst was called "one of the most respected sheep producers in the states and was a gem of person, a man of integrity, a wonderful man, a wealth of information and a good neighbor who will be deeply missed."

The event was special for his friends from all over the United States who were in attendance. His daughters Carolyn Newton (Steve Shotwell) and Beverly (Reggie Ross); grandchildren William Newton, Kimberly Beadles and Leah Henry; and great-grandson James Walker were present to receive the award.

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