Open Sheep Competition Guidelines
Click to view Open Sheep Competition Guidelines.
DIVISION 15: OPEN SHEEP
DEPARTMENT STAFF
Geoffrey ZimmerlyCo-Directortext: 330-464-7087
Pat MyersCo-Directortext: 937-935-1975
Sheep Office Fair Telephone Number614-644-4157 (July 6 – August 9)
Sarah Haskins and Jenni ShoffnerOffice Associates
Blake Campbell and Mark McCabeExhibit Managers
Nevin Smith Jr.Market Lamb Superintendent
Ann Mumaw & Pam SeckelJr. Breeding Sheep Co-Superintendents
Roger HighOSIA/Farm Bureau Director
Entries close June 21 at 1 p.m.
ONLINE ENTRY
You MUST enter online atwww.ohiostatefair.com.
Exhibitors should keep their exact logininformation (username/password).
Late information available on page 2.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OPEN BREEDING SHEEP1501: GUYS & GALS LEAD COMPETITION1502: ALL OTHER MEAT BREEDS1503: ALL OTHER WHITE WOOL BREEDS1504: BORDER CHEVIOT1505: BORDER LEICESTER1506: COLUMBIAS1507: CORRIEDALE1508: DORPER1509: HAMPSHIRE1510: HORNED DORSET1511: KATAHDIN1512: LINCOLN1513: MERINO1514: MONTADALE1515: NATURAL COLORED1516: OXFORD1517: POLLED DORSET1518: RAMBOUILLET1519: SHROPSHIRE1520: SOUTHDOWN1521: SUFFOLK1522: TUNIS1524: OPEN WOOL SHOW1525: SHEEP SHEARING CONTEST1523: OPEN MARKET LAMBS1526: YOUTH JACKPOT EWE SHOWGROUNDS RULES
OPEN BREEDING SHOW
You must enter online at www.ohiostatefair.com
Exhibitors should keep their exact login information (username/password).
You may enter under a farm name by placing an *(asterick) in the first name line and farm name in the last name line.
If you make your entries in your farm name but want your premium check issued in an individual name, it is the exhibitor’s responsibility to contact Barb Prince after the fair and by August 7, 2026 with this information.
Please refer to the premium book as you make your entries to ensure your animal is entered in the proper class, especially in breeds with both fitted and slick classes.
You will need to provide the following information at the time of entry: Breed, Class, Registration Number, Animal Name (name of sheep on Registration paper), Birthdate, Gender and Scrapie ID (example: OH123-1825).
This information can be entered at the time of online entry. If you do not have it or enter it at the time of online entry, you need to email the entry office at b.prince@expo.ohio.gov by July 15 with exhibitor name, class and animal being updated and what the change is.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
Before Fair: You may substitute an animal within a breed by contacting the Entry Department/Barb Prince by July 20,2026.
During Fair:You may substitute an animal within a class at check in. One (1) substitution per exhibitor per breed is allowed at no cost. Additional substitutions will be $75.00 each payable at check in.
Note: If the substitution does not fall within the same class as the entry was made, then that is considered a NEW ENTRY and will be charged accordingly.
MISSING INFORMATION: If you do not provide complete information when you make your entries online and do not update your entries with the Entry Office/Barb Prince, there will be a $10.00/exhibitor fee charged when you check in. This will need to be paid in cash in order to have your animals checked in.
Flock and Best Headed entries are not made online, you enter when you check in at the fair.
Terms and conditions are subject to change, including, but not limited to premiums.
ENTRY FEES FOR OPEN BREEDING 2026:
Open entry fee for breeding sheep at the 2026 fair is $18.00 per animal. There is no entry fee for breed flock classes. Processing fees may apply.
Pair Classes for Yearling Ewes, Ewe Lambs, and Ram lambs will be continued for 2026 in every breed. An entry fee of $18.00 per pair will be charged. If you do not enter the pairs class online, you will not be permitted to enter the show ring for that class. Processing fees may apply.
Late Entry (only for Open Sheep) is from June 21, 1:01 p.m. – July 15. Cost is $75.00 late fee per exhibitor, per species, plus the regular entry fee per animal. Contact the Entry Department at 614-644-4052 or b.prince@expo.ohio.gov to make late entries.
ONLINE ENTRY INFORMATION
NEW FOR 2026: Breeding sheep classes will be posted for exhibitors to view before their show. If any exhibitor believes there to be discrepancies, they will need to bring their registration papers to the Sheep Barn office and changes will be made if they are warranted based on entries made. All changes need made by one hour before the show begins. No changes will be made as animals are entering the ring during the show.
Sheep cannot be dual entered. They may only show in one breed show.
The criteria for maintaining a breed show based on numbers shown is 25 sheep. If after two (2) years of low participation, the breed show will be removed and those sheep/breed will be included in the AOB meat/AOB wool classes. If a breed loses their open show, they will also lose their Jr. Breeding Show.
All breeding sheep and market lambs must have USDA official scrapie ear tag at the time of check in.
Registration paper(s) are required at the time of check-in. Original papers are required. No copies will be accepted.
Any exhibitor requesting a late arrival needs to submit to the livestock office all entry information in an email to A.Hershey@ohio.expo.gov and a photocopy of the registration papers that correspond to the sheep being entered prior to the time of check-in. Request needs made by July 15, 2026.
Any exhibitor requesting an early release needs to submit their request in writing to the livestock office in an email to A.Hershey@ohio.expo.gov. Please note: If requesting both a late arrival and an early release, only one (1) could be granted. Request needs made by July 15, 2026.
All animals, regardless of age, except market lambs, must be registered, and have ownership recorded in the name of the exhibitor on the records of their respective breed associations. There will be no exception to this rule. Purchased animals must have transfers recorded in the exhibitor’s name at time of checking papers prior to the show.
The name of exhibitor, as entered in online entry, must be the same name as the current owner as shown on breed registration papers.
Exhibitors will be restricted to (2) two premium monies in each class except for pairs. Only 1 premium per exhibitor per class for pairs. A partnership/firm must be a bona fide organization established at least thirty days preceding the closing of entries and actively engaged in the production or merchandising of the animals it proposes to exhibit.
Breeding animals must bear the ear tag/tattoo required by their respective National Breed Association
All lambs must have eight (8) temporary incisors.
All yearlings must be one year old and under two years old at the time of the show.
Flock: shall consist of a yearling ram or ram lamb, two (2) yearling ewes and two (2) ewe lambs.
Grand and Reserve Champion classes are limited to first place animals. Second place animals may compete for Reserve Champion awards.
Entry numbers will dictate how many pens can be designated for tack, feed and trimming.
No tents or canopies may be used until after the completion of the last show of the day and need to be removed before the first show of the day.
Sheep to be washed must be done so in the wash rack in the north end of the barn.
Fans and tack are not permitted in the Pedestrian aisles of the Sheep Barn.
GENERAL RULES
Registration papers must be checked in the sheep office by 8:00 p.m. on your respective move in day.
ARRIVAL AND CHECK IN TIMES
PREMIER EXHIBITOR
Premier Exhibitor Award will be presented to the exhibitor who compiles the most points under the following criteria:
Points are awarded to only entries owned by the exhibitor and only in single classesThe top ten (10) head from each exhibitor will receive points.Top ten (10) places in each class will receive points.Points are based on the number of entries shown in each class.Champion = 10 pts and Reserve Champion = 5 ptsA tie will be broken by presenting the award to the highest placing flock
1ST SESSION
Saturday, August 1 5:00 p.m. Open SouthdownSunday, August 2 2:00 p.m. Open Hampshire5:00 p.m. Open OxfordsMonday, August 3 9:00 a.m. Open Rambouillet, Open Corriedale1:00 p.m. Open AOB Wool, Open Merino5:00 p.m. Open Lincoln, Open ColumbiaTuesday, August 4 9:00 a.m. Open Natural Colored12:00 p.m. Open Dorper, Open Border Leicester, Open Katahdin ( 30 mins. after Dorpers/Border Leicesters)
2ND SESSION
Friday, August 7 9:00 a.m. Open Suffolk12:00 p.m. Open Tunis, AOB Meat3:00 p.m. Open ShropshireSaturday, August 88:00 a.m. Open Polled DorsetFollowing Polled will be Open Horned Dorset9:00 a.m. Open Border Cheviot11:00 a.m. Open Montadale
Note: Times listed are approximate start times for each show. Management reserves the right to alter show times based upon completion of preceding shows in the arena.
BREEDING SHEEP SCHEDULE
1ST SESSION
AOB Wool (Baby Doll Southdown, Romney, Shetland, Valais Black Nose),Border Leicester, Columbia, Corriedale, Dorper, Hampshire, Katahdin,Lincoln, Merino, Natural Colored, Oxford, Rambouillet, Southdown
Friday, July 318:00 a.m. Arrival Time. All animals must be in the place no later than 8:00 p.m.11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Registration paper check in5:00 p.m. Jr. Breeding Showmanship (show order will be youngest to oldest)
Saturday, August 1 9:00 a.m. Junior Breeding Show(show order will be established after check in)
Tuesday, August 4 Release time, following the conclusion of the Open Katahdin Show
2ND SESSION AOB Meat, Cheviot, Horned Dorset, Polled Dorset, Montadale, Shropshire, Suffolk, Tunis
Wednesday, August 58:00 a.m. Arrival Time. All animals must be in the place no later than 8:00 p.m.11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Registration paper check in
Thursday, August 6 8:30 a.m. Jr. Breeding Showmanship (order will be youngest to oldest)10:00 a.m. Junior Breeding Show(show order will be established after check-in)
A “GRAND DRIVE” for Jr. Breeding Sheep will be held on Thursday, August 6 in the Sheep Barn. Champions from Session 1 will be invited back to participate (Approximately 8:00 p.m.)
Saturday, August 7 Release time, following the conclusion of the Open Montadale Show
Once the Regional Jr. Shows start, exhibitors will NOT be allowed to pull through the barn to unload. You would need to carry your tack in and lead the sheep in from outside the barn.
1501: GUYS & GALS SHEEP LEAD COMPETITION
SUPERINTENDENTS IN CHARGE: Pat Myers, Lisa Frost, Pat Wiford
Sunday, August 2. Check-in will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the sheep barn office.Classes begin at 10:00 a.m. with no lunch break.
Entry Deadline is June 21 at 1:00 p.m. Entry fee for each individual class is $10.00. Entry fee for pairs class is $20.00. Entry is a two-step process: (1) Entry needs to be made on the Ohio State Fair website and (2) The commentary form which is available on the website needs completed and emailed on or before June 21 to Pat Myers at ohpmyers@gmail.com. Pairs entries will be made in one exhibitor name during on-line entry. Both exhibitor names will be provided on the commentary form.
Judging Standards. Judges will consider: (1) Entrant’s outfit; (2) Poise and Appearance and (3) Control and Presentation of animal.
Class Descriptions. There will be individual and pair classes offered. For the Pairs Class(es), two contestants will wear coordinating wool outfits and the sheep may be decorated. List both contestants on the commentary form, leading one sheep. The sheep must be led by halter (no hitch). Pairs may be split into two classes, depending on number of entries.
Individuals will wear a wool outfit and the sheep may be decorated to coordinate with the entrant’s outfit. The sheep must be lead by halter.
Contestants may enter a maximum of two classes (example: Pairs and an Individual class). A completely different outfit must be worn for each class entered.
Classes will be divided after entries are received and confirmation letters will be mailed with passes and class assignments to entrants.
All first place winners will receive an award. Other placings will receive a premium check in the mail after the fair.
Age of contestant is determined by their age as of the contest date.
Emergency commentary changes can only be requested by notifying one of the Superintendents no later than Friday, July 31. No commentary changes will be accepted the day of the contest.
The apparel must be predominately wool. It does not have to be home sewn. All entrants must furnish their own garments. All clothing items or accessories must be handled by the contestant only. Ring assistants are available to hold the sheep while the contestant(s) is modeling and to assist with sheep movement in the ring. They will not be responsible for holding articles of clothing or accessories.
Breeding ewes or market lambs may be used in the classes (no rams). The sheep must be fitted according to specific breed standards and trained to show by halter.
Participants must have a background or interest in the sheep and wool industry.
Participants will receive 1 admission ticket and a single day parking pass
1502: ALL OTHER BREEDS - MEAT
Arrival: Wednesday, August 5. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Friday, August 7, 12:00 p.m.Breeds Included: Texel, Dorset Advantage and any other breed entered that fits breed registered criteria.
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Yearling Ram02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - November 30, 202503 Winter Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 202604 Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202605 Pair of Ram Lambs06 Champion Ram Banner07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner08 Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202509 Pair of Yearling Ewes10 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 202511 Winter Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 202612 Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202613 Pair of Ewe Lambs14 Champion Ewe Banner15 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner16 Flock, owned by Exhibitor17 Fleece18 Premier Exhibitor Banner19 Charles Dwight Memorial Flock
SPECIAL AWARD
Charles Dwight Memorial Flock (class 19). This award is presented to the first place flock, in memory of Charles Dwight, lifelong shepherd and exhibitor of sheep at the Ohio State Fair. The recipient will retain possession of the plaque for one year and it will be returned the following year to be presented to the next year’s winner. After 10 years, the plaque will be retired and presented to the Dwight Family.
1503: ALL OTHER WOOL BREEDS
Arrival: Wednesday, July 31. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Monday, August 3, 1:00 p.m.
NEW FOR 2026: White and Natural Colored will be shown in the same show, but separate classes.
White Wool Sheep include: Romney, Shetland, Baby Doll Southdowns, Cotswold, Blue Face Leicesters, Polypay, Finn, Blacknose Valais, Teeswater or any other breed entered that fits breed registration criteria.
Natural Colored Wool Sheep include: Romney, Blue Face Leicester, Finn, Shetland, Baby Doll Southdown, Cotswold
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 White Yearling Ram02 Natural Colored Yearling Ram03 White Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202504 Natural Colored Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - December 31, 202505 White Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 202606 Natural Colored Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 202607 White Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 16, 202608 Natural Colored Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 16, 202609 Pair of Ram Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)10 Champion Ram Banner11 Reserve Champion Ram Banner12 White Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202513 Natural Colored Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202514 Pair of Yearling Ewes (must be same color - no mixed color)15 White Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202516 Natural Colored Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202517 White Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 202518 Natural Colored Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 202519 White Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 16, 202620 Natural Colored Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 16, 202621 Pair of Ewe Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)22 Champion Ewe Banner23 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner24 Flock, owned by Exhibitor25 Premier Exhibitor Banner
1504: BORDER CHEVIOT
Arrival: Wednesday, August 5. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Saturday, August 8, 9:00 a.m.
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Fitted Yearling Ram02 Fitted Senior Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202503 Fitted Intermediate Ram Lamb, born January 1 – February 14, 202604 Fitted Junior Ram Lamb, born on or after February 15, 202605 Pair of Ram Lambs06 Champion Ram Banner07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner08 Fitted Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202509 Slick Shorn Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202510 Pair of Yearling Ewes11 Fitted Senior Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202512 Fitted Intermediate Ewe Lamb, born January 1 – February 14, 202613 Fitted Junior Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 15, 202614 Slick Shorn Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 202615 Pair of Ewe Lambs16 Champion Ewe Banner17 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner18 Flock, owned by Exhibitor19 Best Headed Ram Trophy20 Best Headed Ewe Trophy21 Premier Exhibitor Banner
1505: BORDER LEICESTER
Arrival: Friday, July 31. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Tuesday, August 4, 12:00 p.m.
NEW FOR 2026: Border Leicesters will have their own show. White and Natural Colored will be in the same show, with separate classes. White and Natural Colored will show for Overall Champion and Reserve Champion.
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 White Yearling Ram02 Natural Colored Yearling Ram03 White Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202504 Natural Colored Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - December 31, 202505 White Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 202606 Natural Colored Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 202607 White Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 16, 202608 Natural Colored Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 16, 202609 Pair of Ram Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)10 Champion Ram Banner11 Reserve Champion Ram Banner12 White Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202513 Natural Colored Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202514 Pair of Yearling Ewes (must be same color - no mixed color)15 White Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202516 Natural Colored Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202517 White Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 202518 Natural Colored Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 202519 White Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 16, 202620 Natural Colored Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 16, 202621 Pair of Ewe Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)22 Champion Ewe Banner23 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner24 Flock, owned by Exhibitor25 Premier Exhibitor Banner
1506: COLUMBIA
Arrival: Friday, July 31. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Monday, August 3, 5:00 p.m.
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Yearling Ram02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202503 Early Ram Lamb, born January 1 – February 15, 202604 Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 16, 202605 Pair of Ram Lambs06 Champion Ram Banner07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner08 Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202509 Pair of Yearling Ewes10 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202511 Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 – February 15, 202612 Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 16, 202613 Pair of Ewe Lambs14 Champion Ewe Banner15 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner16 Best Fleece (any sex) Award Sponsored by: APB Columbuas17 Flock, owned by Exhibitor18 Premier Exhibitor Banner19 Best Headed Award Sponsored by: Seifert Farms
1507: CORRIEDALE
Arrival: Friday, July 31. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Monday, August 3, 9:00 a.m.
Champion Corriedale Ram will receive a traveling award in memory of Keith Chamberlin.
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Yearling Ram02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202503 Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 - 31, 202604 Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202605 Pair of Ram Lambs06 Champion Ram Banner07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner08 Early Yearling Ewe, born September 1 – January 31, 202509 Late Yearling Ewe, born on or after February 1, 202510 Pair of Yearling Ewes11 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202512 Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 – January 31, 202613 Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202614 Pair of Ewe Lambs15 Champion Ewe Banner16 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner17 Flock, owned by Exhibitor18 Best Fleece Plaque19 Premier Exhibitor Banner
1508: DORPER
Arrival: Friday, July 31. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Tuesday, August 4, 12:00 p.m.Note: Dorper and White Dorper show together
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Yearling Ram02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202503 Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after January 1, 202604 Pair of Ram Lambs05 Champion Ram Banner06 Reserve Champion Ram Banner07 Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202508 Pair of Yearling Ewes09 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202510 Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 202611 Pair of Ewe Lambs12 Champion Ewe Banner13 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner14 Flock, owned by Exhibitor15 Premier Exhibitor Banner16 Best Headed Award
DORSET ADVANTAGE
Dorset Advantage will NOT have their own show in 2026 due to not meeting the minimum numbers over a two year average. They will show in AOB Meat beginning in 2026.
1509: HAMPSHIRE
Arrival: Friday, July 31. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Sunday, August 2, 2:00 p.m.
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Yearling Ram, Fitted & Slick, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202502 Slick Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 202503 Slick Winter Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 – January 31, 202604 Slick Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202605 Fitted Ram Lamb, born September 1, 2025 and after06 Pair of Ram Lambs07 Champion Ram Banner08 Reserve Champion Ram Banner09 Fitted Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202510 Slick Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202511 Pair of Yearling Ewes12 Slick Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 202513 Slick Winter Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 202614 Slick Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202615 Fitted Ewe Lamb, born September 1, 2025 and after16 Pair of Ewe Lambs17 Champion Ewe Banner18 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner19 Flock, owned by Exhibitor20 Premier Exhibitor Banner
1510: HORNED DORSET
Arrival: Wednesday, August 5. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Saturday, August 8, Following the Polled Dorset show
All sheep registered in the Continental Dorset Club must be on Green Paper for rams and Light Yellow Paper for ewes or registered in the Dorset Horned Flock Book or Great Britain or the Canadian Dorset Horned Register as pure Horned Dorset sheep.
Animals with a letter prefix of NH, S or P with their association registry number are not allowed to be shown in the Horned Dorset Classes.
SPECIAL FLOCK AWARD
Flock. Marilyn Squires Memorial Rotation Trophy.In Memory of Marilyn Squires’ 44 years contribution to the Dorset Breed.
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Fitted Yearling Ram02 Fitted Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - November 30, 202503 Fitted Winter/Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after December 1, 202504 Slick Shorn Ram Lamb, born after September 1, 202505 Pair of Ram Lambs06 Champion Ram Banner07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner08 Fitted Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202509 Slick Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202510 Pair of Yearling Ewes11 Fitted Early Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 - September 30, 202512 Fitted Late Fall Ewe Lamb, born October 1 - November 30, 202513 Slick Shorn Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 - November 30, 202514 Fitted Winter Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 202615 Fitted Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202616 Slick Shorn Winter/Spring Ewe Lamb - born on or after December 1, 202517 Pair of Ewe Lambs18 Champion Ewe Banner19 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner20 Flock, owned by Exhibitor *21 Premier Exhibitor Banner
1511: KATAHDIN
Arrival: Friday, July 31. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Tuesday, August 4, 30 minutes following the Dorper Show
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Yearling Ram02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202503 Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after January 1, 202604 Pair of Ram Lambs05 Champion Ram Banner06 Reserve Champion Ram Banner07 Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202508 Pair of Yearling Ewes09 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202510 Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 202611 Pair of Ewe Lambs12 Champion Ewe Banner13 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner14 Flock, owned by Exhibitor15 Premier Exhibitor Banner
1512: LINCOLN
Arrival: Friday, July 31. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Monday, August 3, 5:00 p.m.
NEW FOR 2026: White and Natural Colored Lincoln’s will be shown in the same show, but separate classes
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 White Yearling Ram02 Natural Colored Yearling Ram03 White Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 202504 Natural Colored Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - November 30, 202505 White Early Spring Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 202606 Natural Colored Early Spring Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 202607 White Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202608 Natural Colored Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202609 Pair of Ram Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)10 Champion Ram (white and natural colored show for overall champion) Banner11 Reserve Champion Ram (white and natural colored show for overall reserve) Banner12 White Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202513 Natural Colored Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202514 Pair of Yearling Ewes (must be same color - no mixed color)15 White Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 202516 Natural Colored Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 202517 White Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 202618 Natural Colored Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 202619 White Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202620 Natural Colored Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202621 Pair of Ewe Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)22 Champion Ewe (white and natural colored show for overall Champion) Banner23 Reserve Champion Ewe (white and natural colored show for overall Reserve) Banner24 Flock, owned by Exhibitor25 Premier Exhibitor Banner26 Best Fleece
1513: MERINO
Arrival: Friday, July 31. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Monday, August 3, 1:00 p.m.
NEW FOR 2026: White and Natural Colored Merino’s will be shown in the same show, but separate classes
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 White Yearling Ram02 Natural Colored Yearling Ram03 White Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 202504 Natural Colored Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - November 30, 202505 White Early Spring Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 202606 Natural Colored Early Spring Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 202607 White Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202608 Natural Colored Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202609 Pair of Ram Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)10 Champion Ram - White Banner11 Champion Ram - Natural Colored Banner12 Reserve Champion Ram - White Banner13 Reserve Champion Ram - Natural Colored Banner14 White Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202515 Natural Colored Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202516 Pair of Yearling Ewes (must be same color - no mixed color)17 White Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 202518 Natural Colored Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 202519 White Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 202620 Natural Colored Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 202621 White Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202622 Natural Colored Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202623 Pair of Ewe Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)24 Champion Ewe - White Banner25 Champion Ewe - Natural Colored Banner26 Reserve Champion Ewe - White Banner27 Reserve Champion Ewe - Natural Colored Banner28 Flock, owned by Exhibitor “In Memory of Jerry Frame” Association29 Premier Exhibitor Banner30 Best Fleece “In Memory of Kenrick Smith” Association31 Best Headed Award – sponsored by Ewe & I Award
SPECIAL FLOCK AWARD
In Memory of Jerry Frame
SPECIAL BEST FLEECE AWARD
In Memory of Kenrick Smith
1514: MONTADALE
Arrival: Wednesday, August 5. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Saturday, August 8, 11:00 a.m.
BEST HEADED AWARDSponsored by the Blair Family in Memory of Steve Blair
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Best Headed Montadale Award Sponsored by the Blair Family, In memory of Steve Blair02 Fitted Yearling Ram, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202503 Fitted Early Ram Lamb, born September 1, 2025 – January 31, 202604 Fitted Late Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202605 Slick Shorn Ram Lamb, born on or after January 1, 202606 Pair of Ram Lambs07 Champion Ram Banner08 Reserve Champion Ram Banner09 Fitted Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202510 Slick Shorn Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202511 Pair of Yearling Ewes12 Fitted Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202513 Fitted Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 202614 Fitted Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 16, 202615 Slick Shorn Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 202616 Pair of Ewe Lambs17 Champion Ewe Banner18 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner19 Flock, owned by Exhibitor20 Premier Exhibitor Banner
1515: NATURAL COLORED
Arrival: Friday, July 31. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Tuesday, August 4, 9:00 a.m.
Only Natural Colored Sheep registered with the Natural Colored Wool Growers Association will be allowed to show in this division.
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Yearling Ram, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202502 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202503 Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 202604 Late Spring Ram Lamb, born February 16, 2026 & after05 Pair of ram lambs06 Champion Ram Banner07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner08 Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202509 Pair of Yearling Ewes10 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202511 Early spring ewe lambs, born January 1 – February 15, 202612 Late spring ewe lamb, born February 16, 2026 & after13 Pair of Ewe Lambs14 Champion Ewe Banner15 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner16 Flock, owned by exhibitor17 Premier Exhibitor Banner18 Best Fleece Award sponsored by Ohio Natural Colored Association Award
1516: OXFORD
Arrival: Friday, July 31. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Sunday, August 2, 5:00 p.m.
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Fitted Yearling Ram02 Fitted Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202503 Fitted Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 – February 14, 202604 Fitted Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 15, 202605 Pair of Ram Lambs06 Champion Ram Banner07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner08 Fitted Early Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – February 14, 202509 Fitted Late Yearling Ewe, born on or after February 15, 202510 Slick Shorn Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 -August 31, 2025$25 $20 $18 $15 Paid by Ohio Oxford Association11 Pair of Yearling Ewes12 Fitted Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202513 Fitted Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 - February 14, 202614 Fitted Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 15, 202615 Slick Shorn Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 2026$25 $20 $18 Paid by Ohio Oxford Association16 Pair of Ewe Lambs17 Champion Ewe Banner18 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner19 Flock, owned by Exhibitor20 Premier Exhibitor Banner
1517: POLLED DORSET
Arrival: Wednesday, August 5. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Saturday, August 8, 8:00 a.m.
All animals in the Polled Dorset breeding classes must be recorded or accepted for record in the Flock Book of the Continental Dorset Club or the Dorset Horned Flock Book of Great Britain or the Canadian Dorset Horned Register and must not have been exhibited in Section 1507.
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Yearling Ram, Fitted or Slick02 Fitted Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 202503 Fitted Winter/Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after December 1, 202504 Slick Shorn Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - November 30, 202505 Slick Shorn Winter Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 and after06 Pair of Ram Lambs07 Champion Ram Banner08 Reserve Champion Ram Banner09 Fitted Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202510 Slick Shorn Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202511 Pair of Yearling Ewes12 Fitted Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – September 30, 202413 Fitted Winter/Spring Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 and after14 Slick Shorn Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 202515 Slick Shorn Winter Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 – January 31, 202616 Slick Shorn Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202617 Pair of Ewe Lambs18 Champion Ewe Banner19 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner20 Flock, owned by Exhibitor21 Premier Exhibitor Banner22 Best Headed Polled Ram – Award sponsored by Matt & Stephanie Martin Family Award23 Best Headed Polled Ewe – Award sponsored by Inbody Polled Dorsets Award
1518: RAMBOUILLET
Arrival: Friday, July 31. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Monday, August 3, 9:00 a.m.
Premier Ohio Breeder – The winners need not be an exhibitor at this show nor the owner of the point winning animals, but must be a member in good standing with Ohio Rambouillet Association. Points figured on sheep bred and owned in Ohio.
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Yearling Ram02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - November 30, 202503 Winter Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 202604 Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202605 Pair of Ram Lambs06 Champion Ram Banner07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner08 Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202509 Pair of Yearling Ewes10 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 202511 Winter Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 202612 Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 202613 Pair of Ewe Lambs14 Champion Ewe Banner15 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner16 Flock, owned by Exhibitor17 Premier Exhibitor Banner18 Best Fleece, one animal per exhibitor19 Best Headed (either sex)
1519: SHROPSHIRE
Arrival: Wednesday, August 5. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Friday, August 7, 3:00 p.m.
NEW IN 2026: All 4 Champions animals will be tested as they cannot show the D gene. Others may be randomly tested. If the D gene is present, premiums will be held.
The American Shropshire Association rules state that all Shropshires must be slick shorn.
Exhibitors can only show a total of four (4) yearling ewes and a total of six (6) spring ewe lambs.
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Best 2 Head – Max Bryant Memorial Award (rams and/or ewes) Award sponsored by Bryant Family02 Yearling Ram03 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202504 Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 - January 31, 202605 Late Spring Ram Lamb, born February 1, 2026 and later06 Pair of Ram Lambs07 Champion Ram Banner08 Reserve Champion Ram Banner09 Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 - January 20, 202510 Yearling Ewe, born January 21 - February 10, 202511 Yearling Ewe, born February 11, 2025 and later12 Pair of Yearling Ewes13 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202514 Early January Ewe Lamb, born January 1 - January 15, 202615 Late January Ewe Lamb, born January 16 - January 31, 202616 Early February Ewe Lamb, born February 1 -14, 202617 Late February Ewe Lamb, born February 15, 2026 and later18 Pair of Ewe Lambs19 Champion Ewe Banner20 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner21 Best Pen of 4 Lambs, both sexes represented – Highest placing Ohio exhibitor will receive the C. Emil Hartzell Memorial Award22 Flock, owned by Exhibitor23 Premier Exhibitor Banner
1520: SOUTHDOWN
Arrival: Friday, July 31. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Saturday, August 1, 5:00 p.m.
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Yearling Ram02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - December 31, 202503 January Ram Lamb, born January 1 - January 31, 202604 February Ram Lamb, born February 1 - February 28, 202605 March Ram Lamb, born on or after March 1, 202606 Pair of Ram Lambs07 Champion Ram Banner08 Reserve Champion Ram Banner09 Early Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – February 15, 202510 Late Yearling Ewe, born on or after February 16, 202511 Pair of Yearling Ewes12 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202513 January Ewe Lamb, born January 1 – January 31, 202614 Early February Ewe Lamb, born February 1 – February 15, 202615 Late February Ewe Lamb, born February 16 – February 28, 202616 March Ewe Lamb, born on or after March 1, 202617 Pair of Ewe Lambs18 Champion Ewe Banner19 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner20 Flock, owned by Exhibitor21 Premier Exhibitor Banner22 Ohio Premier Exhibitor Award sponsored by the Ohio Southdown Breeder’s Association. Must be a member of the Ohio Southdown Association by May 1, 2026. Banner
Southdowns must be shown slick shorn. Wool can be left on the face and below the knee and hock.
1521: SUFFOLK
Arrival: Wednesday, August 5. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Friday, August 7, 9:00 a.m.
Please note when entering classes that there are Breeding Ewe classes and Wether Dam classes this year. Refer to the Suffolk breed standards at https://suffolks.org/images/resources/Suffolk-Breed-Standards-2020- updated.wedp if necessary and enter the appropriate class(es).
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Yearling Ram, fitted & slick, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202502 Fall Ram Lamb, Fitted & Slick, born September 1 – December 31, 202503 Fitted Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 – January 20, 202604 Fitted Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after January 21, 202605 Slick Shorn Ram Lamb, born on or after January 1, 202606 Pair of Ram Lambs07 Champion Ram Banner08 Reserve Champion Ram Banner09 Fitted Breeding Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 202510 Slick Shorn Breeding Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – Aug 31.,202511 Slick Shorn Wether Dam Yearling Ewe, born Sept 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 202512 Pair of Yearling Ewes13 Fitted Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202514 Slick Shorn Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1– December 31, 202515 Fitted Early Spring breeding Ewe Lamb, born January 1 – January 20,202616 Fitted Late Spring breeding Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 21, 202617 Slick Shorn Spring Breeding Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 202618 Slick Shorn Wether Dam Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 202619 Pair of Ewe Lambs20 Champion Ewe Banner21 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner22 Flock, owned by Exhibitor23 Premier Exhibitor Banner24 Best 4 Head – Must be an Ohio Breeder
1522: TUNIS
Arrival: Wednesday, August 5. Check in by 8:00 p.m.Show date/time: Friday, August 7, 12:00 p.m.
SPECIAL AWARDGet of Sire award sponsored by Darling Tunis
CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Fitted Yearling Ram02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202503 Fitted January Ram Lamb, born January 1 – January 31, 202604 Fitted February Ram Lamb, born February 1 - February 28, 202605 Fitted March Ram Lamb, born March 1 – March 31, 202606 Slick Shorn Ram Lambs, born after January 1, 202607 Pair of Ram Lambs08 Champion Ram Banner09 Reserve Champion Ram Banner10 Fitted Early Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – February 15, 202511 Fitted Late Yearling Ewe, born or after February 16, 202512 Slick Shorn Yearling Ewe, born on or after September 1, 202413 Pair of Yearling Ewes14 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 202515 Fitted Early spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 – February 15, 202616 Fitted late spring Ewe Lamb, born February 16, 2026 and later17 Slick shorn early spring ewe lamb – born January 1, - February 15, 202618 Slick Shorn late spring Ewe Lamb, born February 16, 2026 and later19 Pair of Ewe Lambs20 Champion Ewe Banner21 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner22 Flock23 Premier Exhibitor Banner24 Get of SireThree head, any age, both sexes represented, owned by exhibitor, sired by the same ram Award
1524: OPEN WOOL SHOW
Arrival time: Friday, July 31, 4-8 p.m.Judging: Sunday, Aug 2, 2:00 p.m.Entry Fee: $5.00 per fleece
Wool Show Chairman – Blake Campbell. Committee members: Tom Conner and Rob Sando.
Check in at the office and/or wool room to drop off your entries. The Chairman and/or committee members will tag and place your wool in the exhibit area.
Premium payout is a percentage of the entry fees received by June 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
Fleeces will be released Saturday, August 8 beginning at 12:00 noon
Fleeces need to be picked up on Saturday, August 8.
No Mail in Fleece entries are allowed.
RULES: In addition to the general rules governing entries, exhibits and awards, the following rules apply specifically to the wool exhibit:
All wool exhibited must be shorn within the year shown.
All fleece entered in the purebred exhibit must have been removed from purebred sheep recorded in their respective registry associations.
All fleece entered in the purebred and market class exhibits must have been grown on sheep owned by the exhibitor and show under his name. The exhibitor must own the sheep the fleece was shorn from. Fleeces acquired from shearing others’ sheep will not be accepted. The committee has the authority to make the decision if a fleece is in question. If entry is denied at check in, no entry refund will be given.
Exhibitors are limited to a maximum of two entries in each class.
All fleece for exhibit may be tied with paper twine or in clear plastic bags. Management can reject fleece tied with twine or fleece with excessive amount of foreign material such as tags, burrs, chaff, seeds, straw, etc.
CLASS NUMBER CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD01 Cheviot – Ram or Ewe Fleece02 Columbia – Ram Fleece03 Columbia – Ewe Fleece04 Corriedale – Ram Fleece [$10, $5, $5, $5 paid by Corriedale Assn.]05 Corriedale – Ewe Fleece [$10, $5, $5, $5 paid by Corriedale Assn.]06 Hampshire – Ram or Ewe Fleece07 Horned Dorset – Ram Fleece08 Horned Dorset – Ewe Fleece09 Lincoln – Ram Fleece10 Lincoln – Ewe Fleece11 Merino – Class C – Ram Fleece12 Merino - Class C – Ewe Fleece13 Montadale – Ram Fleece14 Montadale – Ewe Fleece15 Oxford – Ram or Ewe Fleece16 Polled Dorset – Ram Fleece17 Polled Dorset – Ewe Fleece18 Rambouillet – Ram Fleece19 Rambouillet – Ewe Fleece20 Shropshire – Ram or Ewe Fleece21 Southdown – Ram Fleece22 Southdown – Ewe Fleece23 Suffolk – Ram or Ewe Fleece24 Tunis – Ram or Ewe Fleece25 AOB – Ram Fleece26 AOB – Ewe Fleece
Class # MARKET CLASS EXHIBITS27 Fine28 One-half blood staple29 Three-eighths blood staple30 One-fourth blood staple31 Low Quarter blood32 Braid long staple
HAND SPINNING FLEECE SHOW
Class # Natural Colored Spinner Class33 Natural Colored Spinner -Fine34 Natural Colored Spinner - Medium35 Natural Colored Spinner - Coarse36 Natural Colored Spinner - Braid Long Staple
White Spinner Class37 White Spinner - Fine38 White Spinner - Medium39 White Spinner - Coarse40 White Spinner - Braid Long Staple
Champion Fine Wool Fleece BannerChampion Medium Wool Fleece BannerChampion Coarse Wool Fleece Banner
NOTES:No hair sheep will have a wool class.No Natural Colored Class. Those would be entered under the Spinner Classes.
1525: SHEEP SHEARING CONTEST
Contest time: Friday, July 31, 10 a.m.Entry Fee: $25.00
Superintendent in Charge: Gregg Fogle
Entries must be made online at www.ohiostatefair.com no later than June 21 at 1:00 p.m., accompanied by the entry fee. The entry fee will provide contestants one admission ticket and a single day parking pass.
ORDER OF CONTEST: Senior, Junior, Shepherds Eastern National
PLAN OF CONTEST: Contestants will compete in groups of four or as many best fit heats. Drop shafts shearing trailer, and shearing equipment will be furnished by Geoff Baldwin, Diamond, Ohio. Contestants can provide their own shearing machines and shafts if they feel necessary and Geoff Baldwin will provide equipment with pin drives. Contestants must furnish their own hand piece. Shearers may use their own Shearmaster.
SCORING: The contest will be judges by experienced shearers using the following Points:
Time for Shearing 20Absence of cuts on Sheep 15Handling of Sheep 15*Absence of second cuts in Fleece 20*Condition of Fleece 20Appearance of Shorn Sheep 10TOTAL 100
Shepherd’s Eastern Regional National Shearing Contest
Open to all out of State and Champions of recognized state, regional or national contests held anywhere. The 2025 winner of the Ohio Senior Shearing Contest is not eligible to compete in the Shepherd’s Eastern National Shearing Contest until 2026.
Class 1 - Eastern Regional National1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th
Banner – Fastest time in the preliminaries – sponsored by the Strode Family in Memory of Howard Strode.
Banner – in memory of Robert “Bob” Taylor for top shearer who scores most points on “Absence of Second Cuts in Fleece” in the preliminaries presented by Justin Taylor Family.
Banner – in memory of Clifford Scott for “highest scoring pen on appearance” of the animals in preliminaries presented by June Scott.
Class 2 - Senior Division
Class 2 - Senior Division
Participants are Ohio residents and must be 18 years of age and older. Once an exhibitor wins this division, they are required to move up to the Champion of Champions/ Shepherds Eastern National Class.
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1st
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2nd
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Banner – 1st place will receive a trophy sponsored by Cable Lamb and Wool.
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Banner – “Best Condition of Fleece” will receive a trophy sponsored by Sando Lincolns.
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Class 3 - Junior Division
Open to anyone under the age of 18 on the day of the contest, no entry fee, can enter up to morning of the contest.
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5 ribbons or rosettes
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Rotating trophy for the top shearer from Ohio
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Banner – in memory of George Robert “Bob” Welsh for the highest scoring Junior contestant presented by Gregg Fogle Family.
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Banner - In memory of Robert “Bob” Taylor for top shearer who scores most points on “Condition of Fleece” in preliminaries by Justin Taylor Family.
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Jr. Division - 5 ribbons or rosettes
Sr. Division - Participants are Ohio residents and must be 18 years of age and older. Once an exhibitor wins this division, they are required to move up to the Champion of Champions/Shepherds Eastern National Class.
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1523: OPEN DIVISION MARKET LAMBS
Sunday, July 26 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Optional move into fair/assigned pens with vet check upon arrivalMonday, July 27 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Move into fair/assigned pens and vet check8:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Check in and pick up cards at the office4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ClassificationThursday, July 30 8:00 a.m. Open Market Lamb ShowReleased after completion of Open Market Lamb Show
Entry Fee: $25.00/lamb. Processing fees may apply.
All market lambs must be entered online at www.ohiostatefair.com. Exhibitors should keep a record of their exact login information (user name/password).
Exhibitor may enter up to ten (10) animals in the Market Lamb/Youth Jackpot Ewe show. Maximum of 6 market lambs and 4 Youth Jackpot Ewe show entries. There are NO substitutions this year.
NO late entries will be accepted.
Pens will be assigned and posted on the Ohio State Fair Sheep Department Facebook page and posted on the wall outside the Sheep Department Office.
No fans or coolers are permitted in the Pedestrian Aisle. Those not in the appropriate location will be removed from the barn.
Premium Payout will be a percentage of the entry fee dollars received from the open market lamb division.
Scrapie Tags. All market lambs must have an official USDA Scrapie tag at the time of classification. Ohio State Fair will no longer tag lambs with Scrapie tags. This is the responsibility of the exhibitor. USDA and ODA officials will check to see all tags are in place.
General Rules/Guidelines:
Minimum weight is 90 lbs. No lamb will be eliminated for weighing less than their declared weight, unless under 90lbs in the market division.
There will not be a maximum weight, therefore, there will NOT be a Heavyweight class.
Lambs exhibiting testicular tissue are not eligible for competition in any market lamb class. Lambs which show recent castration, and which are not healed are not eligible for competition in any market lamb class.
All market lambs must be under one year of age and show lamb mouth.
One person per lamb in the make-up ring.
Muzzles on lambs are prohibited while on the Ohio State Fairgrounds.
Drenching of lambs is prohibited.
Lambs must stay in the vicinity of the Sheep Barn. If walking lambs outside of the barn, they must stay within the blue fire lane marked on the pavement around the sheep barn.
Slapping of lambs is prohibited. You will receive only one warning for this offense. On the second offense, all of your entries will be disqualified at that point and you will need to leave the fairgrounds. There is a no tolerance for this policy.
Pens must be put back together before receiving a release slip.
Fitting Guidelines:
The Ohio State Fair is a slick sheared market lamb show. All lambs must be freshly shorn with a 13 tooth comb or less and washed by Classification time. Head wool is allowed at classification. Leg wool is allowed from the knees and hocks down. Belly wool must be completely shorn and equal to the length of wool on the body at the time of the show. Belly wool will be checked on the top 5 lambs in each class at the time of the re-weigh before entering the scales. Lambs not passing the belly wool rule will be disqualified and the others will move up in placing.
Oxfords and Shropshire lambs must show with a wool cap. They cannot be slick headed.
All market lambs must be docked to an appropriate length in order to show. The only exception would be lambs showing in purebred classes of a breed that normally shows with tails (1.e. Katahdin, Finnsheep).
Bedding:
Carpeting will be allowed only if the following conditions are met: (a) No excess carpet may stick past the edge of the pen in either the pedestrian aisle or the exhibitor aisle; (b) all carpet edges must be taped down to eliminate the problem of tripping over loose edges; (c) All carpet must have either straw or shavings under the carpet in order to absorb moisture and reduce odor; (d) All carpet must be removed from the pen at the conclusion of the show and either taken home or placed in the dumpster next to the sheep barn on the south side.
Breed Classification:
All lambs entered in each breed (Hampshire, Shropshire, Southdown, Dorset, Oxford, Natural Colored, AOB and White Face Cross) will be evaluated in 1 line with each classifier viewing each of the lambs. Ohio State Fair classifiers decision is final. Regardless of the method followed, the judges’ decision will be final. Breed classifiers will review the purebred, white face, and natural colored classes only, and are to use the same standards for eligibility of purebred lambs as would be used for eligibility when registering purebred breeding lambs. Any disagreement with breed classifiers’ decisions can be voiced in an official protest as described in the General Rules at the end of this book. All market lambs must be washed and freshly shorn with a smooth appearance at the time of classification. Head wool is allowed.
White Faced Crossbreds and/or Black Faced Crossbreds are lambs showing evidence of both blackface and white face breeding and must show evidence of such throughout the face, legs and ears and will be open to lambs of either sex. This class will also contain any Dorset, Southdown, or AOB White Face Wool breeds that do not meet its breed criteria pending Ohio State Fair classification. Natural Colored lambs must have natural colored wool over 50% of their body, excluding head and leg hair and will be open to lambs of either sex. Black Faced Crossbreds are for grade or crossbred black face lambs that do not qualify for the purebred classes (Hampshires, Shropshires, Oxfords) OR Natural and Black Faced All Other Breed lambs not meeting their specific criteria pending classification. Classes will be open to lambs of either sex.
In 2026, Hair Sheep will show in AOB.
Weigh-In Rules: Market lambs will show by declared weight and the top five (5) in each class will be weighed back before the final class placing. Declared weight cards will be turned in at vet check and classification. Lambs must re-weigh within six (6) pounds over their declared weight. No lamb will be eliminated for weighing less than their declared weight. Minimum weight is 90 pounds. Lambs eliminated from the weigh-back will leave the show ring and the remaining lambs in the class will move up in the final recorded placing. No re-weighs will be permitted.
Awards: Breed Champions and Reserve Champions will receive a banner sponsored by: Banbury Hayhurst Co. and The Farm Printing.
OPEN MARKET LAMB SHOW ORDER:HampshireShropshireSouthdownPolled Dorset (Horned Dorsets are in AOB)OxfordAOB (including Hair Sheep)Whiteface CrossNatural Colored BlackfaceBlackface Cross
The following classes may be divided by weight: Hampshire, Southdown, White Face Cross, Natural Colored and Black Face Cross. Suffolk market lambs will show in AOB class due to low numbers over the past years. If a breed has thirty-five (35) or more lambs checked in, the class will be split. Thirty-four (34) or less will be shown as one class.
Dorset Advantage animals in the Market Lamb Show will be shown as Whiteface Cross
In the final drive, only the top two (2) lambs will be selected (Grand and Reserve Grand Champion).
Any of the listed breeds failing to exhibit a three-year rolling average total of 10 head in the market classes will be cause for evaluation of putting that breed within the All Other Breed Class of the Open Market Lamb Show.
1526: OPEN YOUTH JACKPOT EWE SHOW
Class 01 Jackpot Ewe Lamb
Lambs in the Jackpot Ewe Show are shown by weight, not breed.
Exhibitor may show a total of four (4) animals in the Jackpot Ewe Show.
Show Date: Tuesday, July 28, 6:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: $25.00/head Processing fees may apply
Exhibitors need to be 4-H/Jr. Show Age (8/9 and in 3rd grade to 18 as of January 1, 2026) to participate in the Jackpot Ewe Show.
Classes for Entry: Please note in 2024 the Yearling Ewe Class was eliminated.
If a Jackpot Ewe lamb is also being shown as a market lamb, you MUST enter the lamb up to 3 times, depending on how many shows you wish to show her in: (1) in the Jackpot Ewe Show, (2) in the Junior Market Lamb Show, and (3) in the Open Market Lamb Show.
There is a white face cross class in the jackpot ewe show.
At the conclusion of both classes, an overall Top 5 Ewes will be selected. Winners will be recognized with awards from the Ohio State Fair and the Ohio State Fair Sheep Barn Promotional Auction.
Please add the scrapies tag example