Sheep Show

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

Geoffrey Zimmerly

Co-Director

text: 330-464-7087

DEPARTMENT STAFF

Entries close June 21 at 1 p.m.

ONLINE ENTRY

You MUST enter online at

www.ohiostatefair.com.

Exhibitors should keep their exact login

information (username/password).

No late junior entry

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

JUNIOR BREEDING SHEEP

JUNIOR SHEEP

SHOWMANSHIP

JUNIOR SHEEP BREEDING

SCHEDULE

JUNIOR MARKET LAMBS

OPEN YOUTH JACKPOT EWE

SHOW

SHEEP SKILLATHON

MARKET LAMB

SHOWMANSHIP

MARK BANBURY MEMORIAL

SHOWDOWN CHAMPION

SHEEP SHEARING CONTEST

JUNIOR WOOL SHOW

GROUNDS RULES

Pat Myers

Co-Director

text: 937-935-1975

Sheep Office Fair Telephone Number

614-644-4157 (July 26 – August 9)

SCHOLARSHIPS

Ralph H. Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Jack Judy Memorial Scholarship

OSIA LEAD Council Scholarship

High Family Memorial Scholarship

Contact the Ohio Sheep Improvement

Association for an application at 614-246-8299

or www.ohiosheep.org.Applications are due

June 23, 2026.

Junior Market and

Breeding Sheep Exhibitors

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JUNIOR BREEDING SHEEP

Online Entry Information: You must enter online at www.ohiostatefair.com. All entries must be

made online. Exhibitors should keep a record of their exact login information (user

name/password).

Entry Fee: Junior Breeding Sheep is $15.00/head. Processing fees may apply. There is no fee for

showmanship.

Entry Information: Please complete the Required Entry Information (Breed, Class, Registration

Number, Birth Date, Animal Name (animal name on registration paper), Gender and Scrapie ID)

when making your entries. 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.

NEW FOR 2026: Breeding sheep classes will be posted for exhibitors to view before their show.

If an 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 to be made at least 1 hour before the show. 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.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

You may substitute an animal within a breed by contacting the Entry Office/Barb Prince by

July 20, 2026.

You may substitute an animal within a class only at check-in, not in the ring.

Note: If the substitution does not fall within the same class as the entry was made, then that

is considered a NEW ENTRY and would only be able to be shown in the OPEN show with a

late entry. No late entries will be allowed in the junior show in 2026.

MISSING INFORMATION: If you do not provide complete information when you make your

entries online and do not update your information with the Entry Office/Barb Prince by July 15,

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 animal checked in.

Showmanship can be entered online when making entries or at check in. Entry will be verified at

check-in. There is no charge for showmanship. At check in you are required to declare which

animals you will be showing by providing that animal’s Scrapie tag number. Animals declared for

Jr. showmanship Must also be entered and shown in the Jr. Breeding sheep show in each specific

session

Ownership Deadline for Junior Breeding Sheep is May 22, 2025.

SHOW INFORMATION

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

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JUNIOR BREEDING SHEEP

401 All Other Meat

402 AOB Wool

403 Border Cheviot

404 Border Leicester

405 Columbia

406 Corriedale

407 Dorper

408 Hampshire

409 Horned Dorset

410 Katahdin

411 Lincoln

412 Merino

413 Montadale

414 Natural Colored

415 Oxford

416 Polled Dorset

417 Rambouillet

418 Shropshire

419 Southdown

420 Suffolk

421 Tunis

422 Market Lambs

423 Junior Wool

424 Sheep Shearing

425 Showmanship

Clarification of breeds:

NEW FOR 2026: Border Leicesters will have their own breed/show.

All Babydoll Southdowns will show in the AOB Wool Division.

Only Natural Colored sheep registered with the Natural Colored Wool Growers

Association will be allowed to show in the Natural Colored Division.

For Lincolns, Border Leicesters, and Merinos, they will show in their respective breed.

We will show age classes with a White class, then a Natural Colored class. (Example:

White Yearling Ram, Natural Colored Yearling Ram). There will be an Overall Breed Ram

and Ewe selected. Merino’s are the only exception as they have national rules stating

they have to have a white champion and a natural colored champion.

Natural Colored Columbias and Natural Colored Shetlands will show in the Natural

Colored.

Arrival Time for Junior Division exhibitors is: First Session- Friday, July 31, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. -

8:00 p.m. and Second Session - Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Pens will NOT be pre-assigned. Please check in the office and the staff will mark your pens

before unloading.

Breeds/Division

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

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JUNIOR BREEDING SHEEP

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

Yearling Ram (September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025)

Fall Ram Lamb (September 1 – November 30, 2025)

Winter Ram Lamb (December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026)

Spring Ram Lamb (February 1, 2026 and younger)

Breed Champion/Reserve Ram

Yearling Ewe (September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025)

Fall Ewe Lamb (September 1 – November 30, 2025)

Winter Ewe Lamb (December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026)

Spring Ewe Lamb (February 1, 2026 and younger)

Breed Champion/Reserve Ewe

Flock: 1 ram and 2 ewes (yearling/lamb or combination)

Classes: 2026 Junior Division Sheep Classes. Classes for All Breed Shows. Some

breeds are offering additional classes (see below).

Slick and Fitted show in the same class in Junior Show. There are not separate

classes, except as specified below:

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JUNIOR BREEDING SHEEP

The following breeds will offer these additional classes in addition to those listed above in the Jr.

Show with premiums being paid by their Breed Association:

CHEVIOT:

Best Headed Ram and Best Headed Ewe

OXFORD:

Slick Yearling Ewe

Slick Ewe Lamb

POLLED & HORNED DORSETS:

Best Headed Ram and Best Headed Ewe

HAMPSHIRES:

Fitted Ram Lamb (Born September 1, 2025 and After)

Fitted Yearling Ewe

Fitted Ewe Lamb (Born September 1, 2025 and After)

SHROPSHIRE:

There will be 2 equal classes of Yearling Ewes. Enter in Yearling Ewe Class. After check in

they will be split into two equal classes, split by age. The Ohio Shropshire Association will be

sponsoring the additional class.

Champion Ram, Reserve Champion Ram, Champion Ewe, Reserve Champion Ewe will be

tested for the D gene to follow National Rules. Others may be randomly tested.

Young Flock: The Ohio Shropshire Breeder’s Association will award a $250.00 premium to

the flock judged to have the best Shropshire breed character. The winning flock must be in

the exhibitor’s entry in the flock class. All three members of the flock must exhibit excellent

Shropshire breed character. If it is determined that no flock meets the necessary breed

character requirements, no premium will be awarded.

JR. FAIR BREEDING SHEEP PREMIER EXHIBITOR

The following breeds will award a Premier Exhibitor during their Jr. Breeding Sheep Show:

Columbia – award sponsored by Diller Sheep Farm

Merino – award sponsored by Megan’s Merinos

Oxford – award

Rambouillet – award

Southdown – award sponsored by Ol’ Glory Farm/Dale & Cathy Davis

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

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The criteria for maintaining a breed show is based on numbers shown, which is 25 head having

been shown. If after 2 years of low participation, the breed show will be removed. If a breed loses

their open show, they will also lose their Junior Breed Show.

All breeding sheep and market lambs must have USDA official scrapie ear tags at the time of entry

and will be verified at time of vet check.

Exhibitor arrival and registration paper check in will be:

Arrival Time:

First Session Breeding Sheep: Friday, July 31, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Second Session Breeding Sheep: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Registration Paper Check in:

First Session Breeding Sheep: Friday, July 31, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Second Session Breeding Session: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00

p.m.

Junior Exhibitors must show their own animals. Exceptions will be made only for exhibitors who

may be physically impaired, who have two animals in the same class, or an exhibitor is absent on

show day due to other commitments. In case of these exceptions, another exhibitor who is

eligible to be an Ohio Junior Division Exhibitor and must be a resident of the State of Ohio, may

exhibit the animal with the authorization of one of the Department Co-Directors. If a Junior

Exhibitor cannot be present at the time of judging, the exhibitor will need to present to the

Department Co-Directors a written permission notice signed by the football coach, band director,

or other person in charge of the activity that is in conflict and prevents the exhibitor from being

present on show day. The notice must be on official letterhead of the organization, must be

submitted to Department Co-Directors 24 hours before show day and must include name,

county, birthdate, phone number and complete address of the exhibitor’s home and work of the

person in charge of the event. Also a brief description of event needs included.

The name of exhibitor, as entered in the online entry process, must be the same name as the

current owner as shown on breed registration papers. Family farm names listed on registration

papers will be accepted for junior breeding sheep show.

Exhibitors will be restricted to (2) two premium monies in each class.

Exhibitors may enter only one (1) entry in a group class. All animals entered and shown in a group

class must be entered in the individual classes and registration certificates checked by office staff.

Breeding animals must bear the ear tag/tattoos required by their respective National Breed

Association.All labels/tattoos must be plainly visible and properly inserted in the ear tissue. All

identification tag/tattoo are checked at the time of judging.

Grand and Breed Champion classes are limited to first place animals. Second place animals may

compete for Reserve Champion awards.

JUNIOR BREEDING SHEEP

GENERAL RULES

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

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All special state/national breed association award winners will be paid directly by the respective

breed association. Only one class award will be presented to each exhibitor.

All yearlings must be one year old and under two years old at the time of the show.

Due to a large number of entries, exhibitors may be restricted from using pens for tack, feeding

and trimming.

No tents or canopies may be used until after the completion of the last show of the day and must

be removed before the first show of the day.

Wash all sheep in the wash rack at the north end of the barn. Sheep are not permitted to be

washed in the entrances into the barn.

Any exhibitor requesting a late arrival (late arrival needs to be requested prior to July 15) needs to

submit to the livestock office in an email to a.hershey@expo.ohio.gov a photo of the registration

papers that correspond to the sheep being entered prior to the time of check in. Original

registration papers must be presented upon arriving at the Ohio State Fair before the sheep will

be allowed to compete for awards and premium money. Premiums will not be paid unless

registration number of breeding animals is furnished prior to show.

Exhibitor will provide registration paper(s) at the time of check-in. Original is required. FAX or

email copies will not be accepted. If there is a registration paper issue, the Breed Secretary will

need to contact one of the Barn Directors.

NEW FOR 2026: Jr. exhibitors showing Shropshire sheep in the Jr. breeding show will need to be

paid members of the Ohio Shropshire Breeders Association by the date of the show.

OUTSTANDING BREEDING SHEEP EXHIBITOR: Exhibitors placing first through twenty five will

receive recognition. The Overall Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor’s 1st to 10th will be awarded from the

Virgil Strickler Youth Reserve Program and if adequate funds are available from the Ohio State Fair

Sheep Barn Promotion Auction. 11th -25th will be provided by funds from the Ohio State Fair Sheep

Barn Promotion Auction. Placings will be determined by exhibitor’s skillathon (virtual), showmanship,

and animal placings.

JUNIOR BREEDING SHEEP

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

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JUNIOR SHEEP SHOWMANSHIP

Classes – age of exhibitor as of January 1, 2026

Ages 8/9 (4-H Age), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Showmanship will be shown youngest to oldest

Each age group will receive awards from the Virgil Strickler Youth Reserve Program.

The purpose of showmanship is to encourage young exhibitors to acquire skill and know-how in the

handling of animals and to obtain information and practice in fitting and grooming them for show.

Exhibitors must show their own animal in showmanship and it must be registered for show in

that specific session The judge may ask that exhibitors show another exhibitors animal during the

course of the show.

Exhibitors must declare their showmanship sheep at the time of check in.

Advanced entry in showmanship is available online and will be confirmed at check in.

All animals shown in showmanship must be entered and shown in their respective breeding

and/or market classes.

Judges will consider the general ability and know-how of exhibitors in training and handling of

animals, the manner in which he/she presents their animal, how they handle themselves in the

ring, how to fit and groom their animal (while the grooming alone will not be emphasized),

knowledge and use of good show ring equipment and correct use of equipment, accepted show

ring practices, customs and exhibitors may be asked questions about their animal and the

species.

Exhibitors must be in showmanship to be considered for Outstanding Market Exhibitor and/or

Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor.

BREEDING SHEEP SPECIAL AWARDS

The following will receive awards from the Youth Reserve Program.

Champion Rams (21)

Champion Ewes (21)

The Overall Breeding Rams and Ewes will receive awards from the Youth Reserve Program.

OSIA and Ohio State Fair organizes an “Ohio State Fair sheep barn promotion auction” where

individuals/breeders/businesses can sponsor a breed division Champion or Reserve Champion

Banner for the Jr.Breeding Sheep Shows. The banner auction will be held on Breeder’s World, check

their website to participate. Funds from the Banner Auction will benefit the Breed Champion and

Reserve Breed Champion, Breeding Sheep Showmanship winners and Top 25 Outstanding Market

Exhibitors and Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor’s programs.

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

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JUNIOR 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 31

8:00 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

5:00 p.m. 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 2 Release time, following the conclusion of the Open Katahdin Show

2nd Session AOB Meat, Border Cheviot, Horned Dorset, Polled Dorset, Montadale,

Shropshire, Suffolk, Tunis

Wednesday, August 5 8:00 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. Showmanship

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, July 31 in the

Sheep Barn. Champions from Session 1 will be invited back to participate

(Approximately 8:00 p.m.)

Saturday, August 8 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.

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

Class 01 Market Lambs Maximum of (10) paid entries between market lambs (6) and Open

Youth Jackpot Ewe Show(Commercial Ewe Show) (4)

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422: JUNIOR MARKET LAMBS

Nevin Smith

Superintendent

If you have a penning request for Market Lambs/Youth Jackpot Commercial Ewes (who you

want to pen with, if families have exhibitors with different last names, if you want to be in a

group with others, if you wish to be in a certain area of the barn, etc.) you will need to go on

the state fair website and complete the Google form for Penning Request. Only requests

filled out on the Google form will be considered this year and the deadline to complete the

request is July 1, 2026. Please know that this is a REQUEST, not a guarantee that you will get

the pen(s)

ENTRY FEE FOR MARKET LAMBS - $25.00/each

Processing fees may apply.

Entering Procedure

All Junior Market Lambs MUST be owned by May 23, 2026. All Market Lambs must be entered online

by June 21 at 1:00 p.m. No late entries will be accepted. Please make entries online at

www.ohiostatefair.com

Market Lamb Show: Exhibitor may enter up to six (6) market lambs.

There are NO substitutions this year.

Classes for Entry:

Ann Mumaw

Asst. Superintendent

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 Open Youth Jackpot Ewe Show, (2)

in the Junior Market Lamb Show, and (3) in the Open Market Lamb Show.

All lambs must have an official USDA Scrapie Tag or Premise ID Tag in their ear at the time of

classification. Upon check in, each exhibitor MUST declare which lamb(s) they entered on June 20 will

be shown. These lambs will be identified by their 10 digit official USDA scrapie number listed on the

online entry.

Note: If you entered the 10 digit official USDA scrapie number incorrectly during the online entry

period, the animal will not be able to show in the Junior Market Lamb, Open Market Lamb or Youth

Jackpot Ewe Show. All 10 digit official scrapie numbers entered into the computer must exactly

match what is in the animal’s ear.

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

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422: JUNIOR MARKET LAMBS

SHOW SCHEDULE

Sunday, July 26 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Market Lambs and tack can be moved into the Sheep Barn with vet check upon arrival.

No tents or canopies can be put up before 12 p.m.

Monday, July 27

7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. MOVE-IN (Sheep and/or tack) with vet check upon arrival

Drug Use Notification Forms must be completed BEFORE you can check in/pick up your cards

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. OFFICE CHECK IN/CARD PICK UP

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Classification/Check-in (by breed)

Tuesday, July 28

9:00 a.m. Jr. Market Lamb Exhibitor Meeting

10:00 p.m. MARKET LAMB SHOWMANSHIP

3:00 p.m. OPEN YOUTH JACKPOT EWE SHOW

Wednesday, July 29 8:00 a.m. JUNIOR MARKET LAMB SHOW

8:00 p.m. Grand Drive (in Brown Sheep Barn)

Thursday, July 30 8:00 a.m. OPEN MARKET LAMB SHOW

Arrival Time: Sunday, July 26, 12 p.m.

- 6 p.m. or Monday, July 27, 7 a.m.

- 12 p.m.

NO LATE ARRIVALS will be permitted. Pens will be assigned and posted on the Ohio State

Fair Sheep Department Facebook Page and posted on the wall outside of the office.

All Breed/Division Champions will compete for Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb in

the Brown Sheep Barn on Wednesday, July 29, at 8:00 p.m.

RELEASE TIME. Thursday, July 30, after the Champion Drive of the Open Market Lamb Show.

United Producers will offer a market for market lambs at the conclusion of the session. Checks will

come directly from United Producers. More details will be available during the market lamb session

at the fair.

IMPORTANT RULES & REGULATIONS

NEW FOR 2026: Vet check will take place upon market lamb arrival. Once you are unloaded, you

need to have a ODA staff member come to your pen to check your sheep. At this time, sheep

must be freshly shorn with a 13 tooth comb or less and washed. Leg wraps and blankets need

to be removed.

The Overall Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion market lambs will sell in the Sale of

Champions on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

Grand and Reserve Overall Market Lambs will remain on the fairgrounds until the Sale of

Champions. The Champions will be re-tested on Saturday, August 8 where the exhibitor and/or

parent must be present. Failure to be present forfeits participation in the Sale of Champions.

Blankets must be off the Champion & Reserve Champion lambs from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. daily.

All animals exhibited must have been a part of the exhibitor’s project and cared for continuously

by the individual exhibitor on or after May 23, 2026, including all showing rights. Ownership of

an animal will be considered lost if after May 23, 2026, of the current year, the animal has been

consigned or sold in a Junior Fair Livestock Sale. [This date is set by the Ohio Department of

Agriculture]

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

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422: JUNIOR MARKET LAMBS

IMPORTANT RULES & REGULATIONS

Junior exhibitors must show their own animals. Exceptions will be made only for exhibitors who may be

physically impaired, who have two animals entered in the same class, or if exhibitor is absent on show day

due to other commitments. In case of these exceptions, another exhibitor is eligible to be an Ohio Junior

Division Exhibitor, must be a resident of the State of Ohio, may exhibit the animal with the authorization of

one of the Department Directors. If a Junior Fair Livestock Exhibitor cannot be present at the time of

judging, the exhibitor will need to present to one of the Department Directors a written permission notice

signed by the football coach, band director, or any other person in charge of that activity that is in conflict

and prevents the exhibitor from being present at the time of judging. This notice must be on official

letterhead of the organization and given to the department director(s) 24 hours before show day and must

include name, county, birthdate, phone number, and complete address of the exhibitor’s home and work of

the person in charge of the event (i.e. football coach, band director, etc.) Also include a brief description of

the conflict.

Lambs showing any evidence of testicular tissue are not eligible for competition in any market lamb class.

All market lambs must be under one year of age and show lamb mouth.

The Ohio State Fair management reserves the right to make on-farm visits and secure nose prints of project

animals at any time after May 23, 2026. All project animals are to be made available if an on-farm visit is

made.

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’s 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.

No market lambs will be released from the barn until after the Open Market Lamb Show on Thursday, July

30. All lambs are to be removed from the barn by 9:00 p.m. July 30.

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 upon arrival for vet check. Head wool is allowed at classification time. Lambs will

be allowed leg wool from the knees and hocks down. Leg wraps and blankets must be removed for vet

check. Lambs will move up in a class if eliminated for belly wool not equal to the length of the wool on the

body.

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).

Only 1 person per lamb is allowed in the make-up ring and show ring.

Muzzles on lambs is prohibited while on the Ohio State Fairgrounds.

Drenching of lamb is prohibited.

Oxfords and Shropshire lambs MUST show with a wool cap. They cannot be slick headed.

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. This is a no

tolerance policy.

Pens must be put back together before receiving a release slip.

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

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422: JUNIOR MARKET LAMBS

MARKET LAMB SHOW ORDER

Hampshire, Shropshire, Southdown, Polled Dorset (Horned Dorsets show in

AOB), Oxford, AOB All Other Breed (including Hair Sheep), White Face Cross,

Natural Colored, Black Face Cross

White Face Crossbreds and/or Black Face Crossbreds are lambs showing evidence of both black

face and whiteface 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 include 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 Face Crossbreds are

for grade or crossbred black face lambs that do not qualify for the purebred classes (Hampshire,

Shropshire, Oxford, OR Natural and Black Face All Other Breed lambs not meeting their specific

criteria pending classification.

The following classes will be divided by declared 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 spilt. Thirty-four (34) or less will be shown as one class.

Any of the listed breeds failing to exhibit a rolling three year 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 Market Lamb Show.

If breeds showing in AOB get their three year average of 10 back, the breed will be reinstated.

BREED CLASSIFICATION

All lambs entered in each breed (Hampshire, Shropshire, Southdown, Dorset, Oxford, Natural

Colored, Hair Sheep, AOB & White Face Cross) will be classified utilizing a 3 bean system with 3

classifiers. One of the classifiers will be a breed representative.

NO Leg Wraps are permitted on sheep during Vet Check AND Classification.

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.

All market lambs must be washed and freshly shorn with a 13 tooth comb or less and

washed at the time of Vet Check and classification. Head wool is allowed.

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

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422: JUNIOR MARKET LAMBS

PUREBRED MARKET LAMB CLASSES

Purebred lambs of either sex, must be born to purebred parents of the same breed and must

exhibit characteristics that would qualify them for registry. Lambs with black fiber regardless of

reason are not allowed to show in purebred classes.

Dorper: Breed standards are taken from the breed standard and training manual.

Point System: To distinguish the degree of excellence with a description and score by points on

visual appearance. These values are the reflection of the animal. 5 – Very Good, 4 – Above

Average, 3 – Average, 2 – Poor or Below; 1 – Very poor, with cull points. Lambs receiving a score

of 5, 4 or 3 from the appointed Ohio State Fair breed classifiers will be considered purebred

Dorpers and entered in the All Other Breeds purebred class.

Lambs can only be shown in one breed classification.

Baby Doll Southdowns that do not classify as such will be shown in the Crossbred division.

WEIGH-IN RULES

Both Jr. and open Market and Open Youth Jackpot Ewe Lambs will show by a declared weight

and the top five in each class will be weighed back before the final class placing is recorded.

Minimum weight is 90 lbs. This is for Market Lambs only, not Jackpot Ewes.

Weigh cards will be handed in at the vet check and classification line.

Lambs must re-weigh within six (6) pounds over their declared weight. No lamb will be

eliminated for weighing less than their declared weight, unless under 90 lbs. in the market

division.

Lambs eliminated from the weigh back will leave the show ring and the remaining lamb(s) in the

class will move up in the final record placing. No re-weighs will be permitted.

AWARDS

Animals in each class will be placed on a 1-2-3-4 etc. basis. Premiums will be established based on

numbers shown. As numbers shown fluctuate, future premiums will be adjusted to show these

changes. Banners purchased through the Ohio State Fair Sheep Barn Promotion Auction will be

presented to the Champion and Reserve Champion of each breed

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

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422: JUNIOR MARKET LAMBS

SPECIAL AWARDS

Champion Hampshire Wether – award sponsored by OHSA – Allison Ryan

Reserve Champion Hampshire Wether - award sponsored by OHSA – Allison Ryan

Champion Dorset Wether – sheep blanket sponsored by Ohio Dorset Breeders Association

Reserve Champion Dorset Wether – sheep blanket sponsored by Ohio Dorset Breeders Association

Shropshire Breeder’s Purse – Exhibitors of all classified Shropshire wethers will be entitled to one

chance in a random drawing for four $25.00 cash awards. Exhibitors of the Champion and Reserve

Champion wethers will not be eligible for the drawing.

GRAND CHAMPION MARKET LAMB – banner presented in the Grand Drive awarded by Ohio State Fair

RESERVE CHAMPION MARKET LAMB – banner presented in the Grand Drive awarded by Ohio State Fair

THIRD THROUGH TENTH PLACE MARKET LAMBS – banners presented in the Grand Drive awarded by

Ohio State Fair

The Overall Market lambs 1st to 10th will receive awards from the Virgil Strickler Youth Reserve Program.

The American Hampshire Sheep Association offers $50.00 for the Grand Champion Market Lamb if sired

by a registered Hampshire Ram. The sire’s association number and a picture of the Grand Champion must

be submitted within 60 days to the ASHA office before payment will be made from their office.

Champion Market Lamb: The animals sold in the 2029 Ohio State Fair Sale of Champions will have top

dollar cap as follows:

Grand Champion Market Lamb $13,000.00

Reserve Champion Market Lamb $ 9,000.00

Twenty-five percent (25%), or amount over cap listed above, whichever is greater, will be distributed

among other youth exhibitors. These funds will go to the scholarships, Outstanding Market Exhibitor

Program, showmanship, skillathons, dairy cattle, breeding livestock, FFA, 4-H, Ohio State Fair Band and

Choir and endowments.

OUTSTANDING MARKET LAMB EXHIBITOR PROGRAM

Exhibitors placing first through twenty five will receive recognition. The Overall Outstanding Market

Exhibitor’s1st to 10th will be awarded from the Virgil Strickler Youth Reserve Program and if adequate

funds are available from the Ohio State Fair Cheep Barn Promotion Auction. 11th -25th placings will

be provided by funds from the Ohio State Fair Barn Promotion Auction. Placings will be determined by

exhibitor’s skillathon, showmanship and animal placings.

OPEN YOUTH JACKPOT EWE SHOW

See show guides and information in the Open Class Fair Section. This is an Open Class show for

Junior Fair age exhibitors (4-H Age 8/9-18).

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

16

999: SHEEP SKILLATHON

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DUNF FORMS

A virtual DUNF form will be available at a later date at https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/get-involved/livestock/livestock-competitions. Completed DUNF forms are due

Monday, July 27 BEFORE you can check in/receive your cards

For Outstanding Breeding Sheep Exhibitor (OBE) points, 1st Session breeding exhibitors can

participate in a proctored Virtual Skill-a-thon on Saturday, August 1, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Second(2nd) Session breeding exhibitors can participate on Thursday, August 6, from 8:00 a.m. –

11:00 a.m. Exhibitors can only do the virtual skill-a-thon one (1) time.

For 30 minutes after the conclusion of the skill-a-thon times for exhibitors, parents are permitted to

go through the stations to see firsthand what the exhibitors are tested on.

For Outstanding Market Lamb Exhibitors (OME) points, exhibitors can participate:

Exhibitor must participate in the in-person event to participate in the Outstanding Market

Exhibitor (OME) Program. Market lamb Skill-a-thon will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 8:00 a.m –

11:00 a.m

All junior fair skillathon age champions (9 through 18) will receive Awards from the Virgil

Strickler Youth Reserve Program. Each age winner and the overall skillathon champion in all

ten.

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

17

426: MARKET LAMB SHOWMANSHIP

Classes – age of exhibitor as of January 1, 2026

Ages 8/9 (4-H Age), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Showmanship will be shown youngest to oldest

The purpose of showmanship is to encourage young exhibitors to acquire skill and know-how in the

handling of animals and to obtain information and practice in fitting and grooming them for show.

Exhibitors must show their own animal in showmanship. The judge may ask that exhibitors show

another exhibitors animal during the course of the show.

Advanced entry in showmanship is available online (not required)and will be confirmed at check in.

All animals shown in showmanship must be entered and shown in their respective breeding and/or

market classes or jackpot ewe show class.

Judges will consider the general ability and know-how of exhibitors in training and handling of

animals, the manner in which he/she presents their animal, how they handle themselves in the ring,

how to fit and groom their animal (while the grooming alone will not be emphasized). Knowledge

and use of good show ring equipment and correct use of equipment, accepted show ring practices,

customs and exhibitors may be asked questions about their animal and the species.

Exhibitors must show in showmanship to be considered for Outstanding Market Exhibitor and/or

Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor.

In 2026 Junior Sheep showmanship age winners will receive money from then Virgil Strickler Youth

Reserve Program.

Ohio Oxford Association will award a sheep blanket to any showmanship winner exhibiting an

Oxford in the showmanship class.

MARK BANBURY MEMORIAL SHOWDOWN CHAMPION

Upon completion of all the individual age market lamb showmanship classes, the winners of each

class will be able to compete for Champion Junior Showman (ages 8/9-12), Champion Intermediate

Showman (ages 13-15),and Champion Senior Showman (ages 16-18). Winner of each division will

each receive a banner sponsored by the Mark Banbury Family.

An overall division winner will be selected, with each receiving $100 sponsored by the Mark Banbury

Family.Reserve Champion Showman will receive the “Dave Howell and Denny Miller Memorial

Award” at the completion of the Mark Banbury Memorial Showdown. Winners of the “Dave Howell

and Denny Miller Memorial Award” will each receive a $50 gift from the Mark Banbury Family on the

day of show.

SHEEP SHEARING CONTEST

Sheep Shearing Contest will be held on Friday, July 31. There is a division for Junior Shearers.

See Open Class Fair book for details and rules.

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

18

OHIO’S LIVESTOCK SHOW REFORM LAW

CHAPTER 901 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE

The exhibitors and their animals, their family members, and others acting on the behalf of the

exhibitors, will follow Ohio’s Livestock Show Reform Law, Chapter 901 of the Ohio Revised Code, and all

rules under Ohio’s Livestock Tampering Exhibition Rules, as set forth in Sections 901-19-1 through 901-

19-21 and Section 901-19-33 of the Ohio Administrative Code. Animals being tested must be clear of any

drug residue and be clear of any withdrawal periods.

1.Drenching of livestock at an exhibition is prohibited except for a medical condition at an exhibition

when diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian.

2.Grooming Requirements.

a.Based upon Rule 901-19-33, Prohibited Grooming Practices, the following grooming practices

are prohibited:

i.Using any substance to enhance or change the color of the livestock, including the

livestock’s hide or hooves;

ii.Adding any substance externally to build up, change or alter the shape or conformation of

the livestock, including by way of example, but not limited to rope, false hair, graphite,

hemp and powders;

iii.Pigmented grooming aides or materials.

iv.Wool breed approved standards apply

901-19-35. Recognition of disciplinary action

901-19-38. False, deceptive or unacceptable practices

a.No Drenching or Bottles permitted

b.No Muzzles

901.19.19. Absolute Liability

In addition, colored or pigmented substances, i.e. paint, are prohibited from use on market lambs and

breeding. Painting of the hooves is prohibited. Use of clear substances is permitted. The sponsor of the

exhibition will enforce rule 901-19-33, Prohibited Grooming Practices. Any exhibitor and the exhibitor’s

animal that does not follow the rule will be disqualified and awards will be forfeited. If the disqualified

exhibitor has shown the exhibitor’s animals, all animals placing below them will not move up.

19

CLASS NUMBER CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD

01 Cheviot – Ram or Ewe Fleece

02 Columbia – Ram Fleece

03 Columbia – Ewe Fleece

04 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 Fleece

07 Horned Dorset – Ram Fleece

08 Horned Dorset – Ewe Fleece

09 Lincoln – Ram Fleece

10 Lincoln – Ewe Fleece

11 Merino – Class C – Ram Fleece

12 Merino - Class C – Ewe Fleece

13 Montadale – Ram Fleece

14 Montadale – Ewe Fleece

15 Oxford – Ram or Ewe Fleece

16 Polled Dorset – Ram Fleece

17 Polled Dorset – Ewe Fleece

18 Rambouillet – Ram Fleece

19 Rambouillet – Ewe Fleece

20 Shropshire – Ram or Ewe Fleece

21 Southdown – Ram Fleece

19

Wool Show Chairman: Blake Campbell Committee Members: Tom Connor and Rob Sando

All wool entries must be checked in Friday, July 31, between 4-8 p.m. Exhibitors must check in at the office

and/or wool room before dropping off their entries. The Chairman and/or committee members will tag

and place your wool in the exhibit area.

Jr Exhibitors must enter specific classes at entry time. See class list below for reference.

1.All fleeces exhibited must be in clear plastic bags and must be shown within the year shorn. The

exhibitor must own the sheep the fleece was shorn from. Fleeces acquired from shearing other’s

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.

2.No mail in fleeces will be accepted.

3.Exhibitors may enter a total of three (3) fleeces per class, but one exhibitor may win only two (2)

monies per class.

423: JUNIOR WOOL SHOW

Judging: Sunday, August 2, 2:00 p.m.

Entry Fee: $5.00 per fleece

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

20

423: JUNIOR WOOL SHOW

CLASS NUMBER CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD

22 Southdown – Ewe Fleece

23 Suffolk – Ram or Ewe Fleece

24 Tunis – Ram or Ewe Fleece

25 AOB – Ram Fleece

26 AOB – Ewe Fleece

Class # MARKET CLASS EXHIBITS

27 Fine

28 One-half blood staple

29 Three-eighths blood staple

30 One-fourth blood staple

31 Low Quarter blood

32 Braid long staple

HAND SPINNING FLEECE SHOW

Class # Natural Colored Spinner Class

33 Natural Colored Spinner - Fine

34 Natural Colored Spinner - Medium

35 Natural Colored Spinner - Coarse

36 Natural Colored Spinner - Braid Long Staple

White Spinner Class

37 White Spinner - Fine

38 White Spinner - Medium

39 White Spinner - Coarse

40 White Spinner - Braid Long Staple

Champion Wool Overall Banner

Reserve Champion Wool Overall Banner

Champion and Reserve Champion Overall wool receive a banner from the Ohio State Fair Sheep Barn

Promotion Auction.

Special Award: A $100 gift award will be presented to a youth placing highest in the hand spinning fleece

show. This is being presented by the Central Ohio Weaving and Fiber Arts Guild in memory of Cheryl Knocsol.

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

21

SCRAPIE’S TAG EXAMPLE

DIVISION 400: JUNIOR SHEEP

22

The General Rules for the Ohio State Fair will be forthcoming.

LIVESTOCK COMPETITIONS

GENERAL RULES

DIVISION 15: OPEN SHEEP

Geoffrey Zimmerly

Co-Director

text: 330-464-7087

DEPARTMENT STAFF

Entries close June 21 at 1 p.m.

ONLINE ENTRY

You MUST enter online at

www.ohiostatefair.com.

Exhibitors should keep their exact login

information (username/password).

Late information available on page 2.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OPEN BREEDING SHEEP

1501: GUYS & GALS LEAD COMPETITION

1502: ALL OTHER MEAT BREEDS

1503: ALL OTHER WHITE WOOL BREEDS

1504: BORDER CHEVIOT

1505: BORDER LEICESTER

1506: COLUMBIAS

1507: CORRIEDALE

1508: DORPER

1509: HAMPSHIRE

1510: HORNED DORSET

1511: KATAHDIN

1512: LINCOLN

1513: MERINO

1514: MONTADALE

1515: NATURAL COLORED

1516: OXFORD

1517: POLLED DORSET

1518: RAMBOUILLET

1519: SHROPSHIRE

1520: SOUTHDOWN

1521: SUFFOLK

1522: TUNIS

1524: OPEN WOOL SHOW

1525: SHEEP SHEARING CONTEST

1523: OPEN MARKET LAMBS

1526: YOUTH JACKPOT EWE SHOW

GROUNDS RULES

Pat Myers

Co-Director

text: 937-935-1975

Sheep Office Fair Telephone Number

614-644-4157 (July 6 – August 9)

Sarah Haskins and Jenni Shoffner

Office Associates

Blake Campbell and Mark McCabe

Exhibit Managers

Nevin Smith Jr.

Market Lamb Superintendent

Ann Mumaw & Pam Seckel

Jr. Breeding Sheep Co-Superintendents

Roger High

OSIA/Farm Bureau Director

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 classes

The 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 pts

A tie will be broken by presenting the award to the highest placing flock

1ST SESSION

Saturday, August 1 5:00 p.m. Open Southdown

Sunday, August 2 2:00 p.m. Open Hampshire

5:00 p.m. Open Oxfords

Monday, August 3 9:00 a.m. Open Rambouillet, Open Corriedale

1:00 p.m. Open AOB Wool, Open Merino

5:00 p.m. Open Lincoln, Open Columbia

Tuesday, August 4 9:00 a.m. Open Natural Colored

12:00 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 Suffolk

12:00 p.m. Open Tunis, AOB Meat

3:00 p.m. Open Shropshire

Saturday, August 8

8:00 a.m. Open Polled Dorset

Following Polled will be Open Horned Dorset

9:00 a.m. Open Border Cheviot

11:00 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 31

8:00 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

5:00 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 5

8:00 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

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

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.

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 AWARD

01 Yearling Ram

02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - November 30, 2025

03 Winter Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

04 Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

05 Pair of Ram Lambs

06 Champion Ram Banner

07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

08 Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

09 Pair of Yearling Ewes

10 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 2025

11 Winter Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

12 Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

13 Pair of Ewe Lambs

14 Champion Ewe Banner

15 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

16 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

17 Fleece

18 Premier Exhibitor Banner

19 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 AWARD

01 White Yearling Ram

02 Natural Colored Yearling Ram

03 White Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

04 Natural Colored Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - December 31, 2025

05 White Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 2026

06 Natural Colored Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 2026

07 White Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 16, 2026

08 Natural Colored Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 16, 2026

09 Pair of Ram Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)

10 Champion Ram Banner

11 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

12 White Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

13 Natural Colored Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

14 Pair of Yearling Ewes (must be same color - no mixed color)

15 White Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

16 Natural Colored Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

17 White Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 2025

18 Natural Colored Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 2025

19 White Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 16, 2026

20 Natural Colored Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 16, 2026

21 Pair of Ewe Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)

22 Champion Ewe Banner

23 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

24 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

25 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 AWARD

01 Fitted Yearling Ram

02 Fitted Senior Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

03 Fitted Intermediate Ram Lamb, born January 1 – February 14, 2026

04 Fitted Junior Ram Lamb, born on or after February 15, 2026

05 Pair of Ram Lambs

06 Champion Ram Banner

07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

08 Fitted Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

09 Slick Shorn Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

10 Pair of Yearling Ewes

11 Fitted Senior Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

12 Fitted Intermediate Ewe Lamb, born January 1 – February 14, 2026

13 Fitted Junior Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 15, 2026

14 Slick Shorn Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 2026

15 Pair of Ewe Lambs

16 Champion Ewe Banner

17 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

18 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

19 Best Headed Ram Trophy

20 Best Headed Ewe Trophy

21 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 AWARD

01 White Yearling Ram

02 Natural Colored Yearling Ram

03 White Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

04 Natural Colored Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - December 31, 2025

05 White Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 2026

06 Natural Colored Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 2026

07 White Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 16, 2026

08 Natural Colored Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 16, 2026

09 Pair of Ram Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)

10 Champion Ram Banner

11 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

12 White Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

13 Natural Colored Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

14 Pair of Yearling Ewes (must be same color - no mixed color)

15 White Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

16 Natural Colored Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

17 White Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 2025

18 Natural Colored Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 2025

19 White Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 16, 2026

20 Natural Colored Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 16, 2026

21 Pair of Ewe Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)

22 Champion Ewe Banner

23 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

24 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

25 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 AWARD

01 Yearling Ram

02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

03 Early Ram Lamb, born January 1 – February 15, 2026

04 Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 16, 2026

05 Pair of Ram Lambs

06 Champion Ram Banner

07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

08 Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

09 Pair of Yearling Ewes

10 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

11 Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 – February 15, 2026

12 Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 16, 2026

13 Pair of Ewe Lambs

14 Champion Ewe Banner

15 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

16 Best Fleece (any sex) Award Sponsored by: APB Columbuas

17 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

18 Premier Exhibitor Banner

19 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 AWARD

01 Yearling Ram

02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

03 Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 - 31, 2026

04 Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

05 Pair of Ram Lambs

06 Champion Ram Banner

07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

08 Early Yearling Ewe, born September 1 – January 31, 2025

09 Late Yearling Ewe, born on or after February 1, 2025

10 Pair of Yearling Ewes

11 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

12 Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 – January 31, 2026

13 Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

14 Pair of Ewe Lambs

15 Champion Ewe Banner

16 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

17 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

18 Best Fleece Plaque

19 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 AWARD

01 Yearling Ram

02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

03 Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after January 1, 2026

04 Pair of Ram Lambs

05 Champion Ram Banner

06 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

07 Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

08 Pair of Yearling Ewes

09 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

10 Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 2026

11 Pair of Ewe Lambs

12 Champion Ewe Banner

13 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

14 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

15 Premier Exhibitor Banner

16 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 AWARD

01 Yearling Ram, Fitted & Slick, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

02 Slick Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 2025

03 Slick Winter Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026

04 Slick Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

05 Fitted Ram Lamb, born September 1, 2025 and after

06 Pair of Ram Lambs

07 Champion Ram Banner

08 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

09 Fitted Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

10 Slick Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

11 Pair of Yearling Ewes

12 Slick Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 2025

13 Slick Winter Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

14 Slick Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

15 Fitted Ewe Lamb, born September 1, 2025 and after

16 Pair of Ewe Lambs

17 Champion Ewe Banner

18 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

19 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

20 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 AWARD

01 Fitted Yearling Ram

02 Fitted Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - November 30, 2025

03 Fitted Winter/Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after December 1, 2025

04 Slick Shorn Ram Lamb, born after September 1, 2025

05 Pair of Ram Lambs

06 Champion Ram Banner

07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

08 Fitted Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

09 Slick Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

10 Pair of Yearling Ewes

11 Fitted Early Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 - September 30, 2025

12 Fitted Late Fall Ewe Lamb, born October 1 - November 30, 2025

13 Slick Shorn Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 - November 30, 2025

14 Fitted Winter Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

15 Fitted Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

16 Slick Shorn Winter/Spring Ewe Lamb - born on or after December 1, 2025

17 Pair of Ewe Lambs

18 Champion Ewe Banner

19 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

20 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 AWARD

01 Yearling Ram

02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

03 Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after January 1, 2026

04 Pair of Ram Lambs

05 Champion Ram Banner

06 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

07 Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

08 Pair of Yearling Ewes

09 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

10 Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 2026

11 Pair of Ewe Lambs

12 Champion Ewe Banner

13 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

14 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

15 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 AWARD

01 White Yearling Ram

02 Natural Colored Yearling Ram

03 White Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 2025

04 Natural Colored Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - November 30, 2025

05 White Early Spring Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

06 Natural Colored Early Spring Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

07 White Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

08 Natural Colored Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

09 Pair of Ram Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)

10 Champion Ram (white and natural colored show for overall champion) Banner

11 Reserve Champion Ram (white and natural colored show for overall reserve) Banner

12 White Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

13 Natural Colored Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

14 Pair of Yearling Ewes (must be same color - no mixed color)

15 White Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 2025

16 Natural Colored Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 2025

17 White Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

18 Natural Colored Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

19 White Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

20 Natural Colored Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

21 Pair of Ewe Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)

22 Champion Ewe (white and natural colored show for overall Champion) Banner

23 Reserve Champion Ewe (white and natural colored show for overall Reserve) Banner

24 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

25 Premier Exhibitor Banner

26 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 AWARD

01 White Yearling Ram

02 Natural Colored Yearling Ram

03 White Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 2025

04 Natural Colored Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - November 30, 2025

05 White Early Spring Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

06 Natural Colored Early Spring Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

07 White Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

08 Natural Colored Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

09 Pair of Ram Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)

10 Champion Ram - White Banner

11 Champion Ram - Natural Colored Banner

12 Reserve Champion Ram - White Banner

13 Reserve Champion Ram - Natural Colored Banner

14 White Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

15 Natural Colored Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

16 Pair of Yearling Ewes (must be same color - no mixed color)

17 White Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 2025

18 Natural Colored Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 2025

19 White Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

20 Natural Colored Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

21 White Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

22 Natural Colored Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

23 Pair of Ewe Lambs (must be same color - no mixed color)

24 Champion Ewe - White Banner

25 Champion Ewe - Natural Colored Banner

26 Reserve Champion Ewe - White Banner

27 Reserve Champion Ewe - Natural Colored Banner

28 Flock, owned by Exhibitor “In Memory of Jerry Frame” Association

29 Premier Exhibitor Banner

30 Best Fleece “In Memory of Kenrick Smith” Association

31 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 AWARD

Sponsored by the Blair Family in Memory of Steve Blair

CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD

01 Best Headed Montadale Award Sponsored by the Blair Family, In memory of Steve Blair

02 Fitted Yearling Ram, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

03 Fitted Early Ram Lamb, born September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026

04 Fitted Late Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

05 Slick Shorn Ram Lamb, born on or after January 1, 2026

06 Pair of Ram Lambs

07 Champion Ram Banner

08 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

09 Fitted Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

10 Slick Shorn Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

11 Pair of Yearling Ewes

12 Fitted Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

13 Fitted Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 2026

14 Fitted Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 16, 2026

15 Slick Shorn Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 2026

16 Pair of Ewe Lambs

17 Champion Ewe Banner

18 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

19 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

20 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 AWARD

01 Yearling Ram, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

03 Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 - February 15, 2026

04 Late Spring Ram Lamb, born February 16, 2026 & after

05 Pair of ram lambs

06 Champion Ram Banner

07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

08 Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

09 Pair of Yearling Ewes

10 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

11 Early spring ewe lambs, born January 1 – February 15, 2026

12 Late spring ewe lamb, born February 16, 2026 & after

13 Pair of Ewe Lambs

14 Champion Ewe Banner

15 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

16 Flock, owned by exhibitor

17 Premier Exhibitor Banner

18 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 AWARD

01 Fitted Yearling Ram

02 Fitted Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

03 Fitted Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 – February 14, 2026

04 Fitted Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 15, 2026

05 Pair of Ram Lambs

06 Champion Ram Banner

07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

08 Fitted Early Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – February 14, 2025

09 Fitted Late Yearling Ewe, born on or after February 15, 2025

10 Slick Shorn Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 -August 31, 2025

$25 $20 $18 $15 Paid by Ohio Oxford Association

11 Pair of Yearling Ewes

12 Fitted Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

13 Fitted Early Spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 - February 14, 2026

14 Fitted Late Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 15, 2026

15 Slick Shorn Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 2026

$25 $20 $18 Paid by Ohio Oxford Association

16 Pair of Ewe Lambs

17 Champion Ewe Banner

18 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

19 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

20 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 AWARD

01 Yearling Ram, Fitted or Slick

02 Fitted Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 2025

03 Fitted Winter/Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after December 1, 2025

04 Slick Shorn Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - November 30, 2025

05 Slick Shorn Winter Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 and after

06 Pair of Ram Lambs

07 Champion Ram Banner

08 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

09 Fitted Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

10 Slick Shorn Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

11 Pair of Yearling Ewes

12 Fitted Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – September 30, 2024

13 Fitted Winter/Spring Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 and after

14 Slick Shorn Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 2025

15 Slick Shorn Winter Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026

16 Slick Shorn Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

17 Pair of Ewe Lambs

18 Champion Ewe Banner

19 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

20 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

21 Premier Exhibitor Banner

22 Best Headed Polled Ram – Award sponsored by Matt & Stephanie Martin Family Award

23 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 AWARD

01 Yearling Ram

02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - November 30, 2025

03 Winter Ram Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

04 Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

05 Pair of Ram Lambs

06 Champion Ram Banner

07 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

08 Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

09 Pair of Yearling Ewes

10 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – November 30, 2025

11 Winter Ewe Lamb, born December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

12 Spring Ewe Lamb, born on or after February 1, 2026

13 Pair of Ewe Lambs

14 Champion Ewe Banner

15 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

16 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

17 Premier Exhibitor Banner

18 Best Fleece, one animal per exhibitor

19 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 AWARD

01 Best 2 Head – Max Bryant Memorial Award (rams and/or ewes) Award sponsored by Bryant Family

02 Yearling Ram

03 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

04 Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 - January 31, 2026

05 Late Spring Ram Lamb, born February 1, 2026 and later

06 Pair of Ram Lambs

07 Champion Ram Banner

08 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

09 Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 - January 20, 2025

10 Yearling Ewe, born January 21 - February 10, 2025

11 Yearling Ewe, born February 11, 2025 and later

12 Pair of Yearling Ewes

13 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

14 Early January Ewe Lamb, born January 1 - January 15, 2026

15 Late January Ewe Lamb, born January 16 - January 31, 2026

16 Early February Ewe Lamb, born February 1 -14, 2026

17 Late February Ewe Lamb, born February 15, 2026 and later

18 Pair of Ewe Lambs

19 Champion Ewe Banner

20 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

21 Best Pen of 4 Lambs, both sexes represented – Highest placing Ohio exhibitor will receive the C. Emil Hartzell Memorial Award

22 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

23 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 AWARD

01 Yearling Ram

02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 - December 31, 2025

03 January Ram Lamb, born January 1 - January 31, 2026

04 February Ram Lamb, born February 1 - February 28, 2026

05 March Ram Lamb, born on or after March 1, 2026

06 Pair of Ram Lambs

07 Champion Ram Banner

08 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

09 Early Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – February 15, 2025

10 Late Yearling Ewe, born on or after February 16, 2025

11 Pair of Yearling Ewes

12 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

13 January Ewe Lamb, born January 1 – January 31, 2026

14 Early February Ewe Lamb, born February 1 – February 15, 2026

15 Late February Ewe Lamb, born February 16 – February 28, 2026

16 March Ewe Lamb, born on or after March 1, 2026

17 Pair of Ewe Lambs

18 Champion Ewe Banner

19 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

20 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

21 Premier Exhibitor Banner

22 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 AWARD

01 Yearling Ram, fitted & slick, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

02 Fall Ram Lamb, Fitted & Slick, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

03 Fitted Early Spring Ram Lamb, born January 1 – January 20, 2026

04 Fitted Late Spring Ram Lamb, born on or after January 21, 2026

05 Slick Shorn Ram Lamb, born on or after January 1, 2026

06 Pair of Ram Lambs

07 Champion Ram Banner

08 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

09 Fitted Breeding Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025

10 Slick Shorn Breeding Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – Aug 31.,2025

11 Slick Shorn Wether Dam Yearling Ewe, born Sept 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2025

12 Pair of Yearling Ewes

13 Fitted Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

14 Slick Shorn Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1– December 31, 2025

15 Fitted Early Spring breeding Ewe Lamb, born January 1 – January 20,2026

16 Fitted Late Spring breeding Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 21, 2026

17 Slick Shorn Spring Breeding Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 2026

18 Slick Shorn Wether Dam Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 2026

19 Pair of Ewe Lambs

20 Champion Ewe Banner

21 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

22 Flock, owned by Exhibitor

23 Premier Exhibitor Banner

24 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 AWARD

Get of Sire award sponsored by Darling Tunis

CLASS # CLASS DESCRIPTION AWARD

01 Fitted Yearling Ram

02 Fall Ram Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

03 Fitted January Ram Lamb, born January 1 – January 31, 2026

04 Fitted February Ram Lamb, born February 1 - February 28, 2026

05 Fitted March Ram Lamb, born March 1 – March 31, 2026

06 Slick Shorn Ram Lambs, born after January 1, 2026

07 Pair of Ram Lambs

08 Champion Ram Banner

09 Reserve Champion Ram Banner

10 Fitted Early Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2024 – February 15, 2025

11 Fitted Late Yearling Ewe, born or after February 16, 2025

12 Slick Shorn Yearling Ewe, born on or after September 1, 2024

13 Pair of Yearling Ewes

14 Fall Ewe Lamb, born September 1 – December 31, 2025

15 Fitted Early spring Ewe Lamb, born January 1 – February 15, 2026

16 Fitted late spring Ewe Lamb, born February 16, 2026 and later

17 Slick shorn early spring ewe lamb – born January 1, - February 15, 2026

18 Slick Shorn late spring Ewe Lamb, born February 16, 2026 and later

19 Pair of Ewe Lambs

20 Champion Ewe Banner

21 Reserve Champion Ewe Banner

22 Flock

23 Premier Exhibitor Banner

24 Get of Sire

Three 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 AWARD

01 Cheviot – Ram or Ewe Fleece

02 Columbia – Ram Fleece

03 Columbia – Ewe Fleece

04 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 Fleece

07 Horned Dorset – Ram Fleece

08 Horned Dorset – Ewe Fleece

09 Lincoln – Ram Fleece

10 Lincoln – Ewe Fleece

11 Merino – Class C – Ram Fleece

12 Merino - Class C – Ewe Fleece

13 Montadale – Ram Fleece

14 Montadale – Ewe Fleece

15 Oxford – Ram or Ewe Fleece

16 Polled Dorset – Ram Fleece

17 Polled Dorset – Ewe Fleece

18 Rambouillet – Ram Fleece

19 Rambouillet – Ewe Fleece

20 Shropshire – Ram or Ewe Fleece

21 Southdown – Ram Fleece

22 Southdown – Ewe Fleece

23 Suffolk – Ram or Ewe Fleece

24 Tunis – Ram or Ewe Fleece

25 AOB – Ram Fleece

26 AOB – Ewe Fleece

Class # MARKET CLASS EXHIBITS

27 Fine

28 One-half blood staple

29 Three-eighths blood staple

30 One-fourth blood staple

31 Low Quarter blood

32 Braid long staple

HAND SPINNING FLEECE SHOW

Class # Natural Colored Spinner Class

33 Natural Colored Spinner -Fine

34 Natural Colored Spinner - Medium

35 Natural Colored Spinner - Coarse

36 Natural Colored Spinner - Braid Long Staple

White Spinner Class

37 White Spinner - Fine

38 White Spinner - Medium

39 White Spinner - Coarse

40 White Spinner - Braid Long Staple

Champion Fine Wool Fleece Banner

Champion Medium Wool Fleece Banner

Champion 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 3, 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 20

Absence of cuts on Sheep 15

Handling of Sheep 15

*Absence of second cuts in Fleece 20

*Condition of Fleece 20

Appearance of Shorn Sheep 10

TOTAL 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 National

1st 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.

Contest time: Friday, July 31, 10 a.m.

Entry Fee: $25.00

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.

1st 2nd

Banner – 1st place will receive a trophy sponsored by Cable Lamb and Wool.

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 arrival

Monday, July 27 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Move into fair/assigned pens and vet check

8:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Check in and pick up cards at the office

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Classification

Thursday, July 30 8:00 a.m. Open Market Lamb Show

Released 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:

Hampshire

Shropshire

Southdown

Polled Dorset (Horned Dorsets are in AOB)

Oxford

AOB (including Hair Sheep)

Whiteface Cross

Natural Colored Blackface

Blackface 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.