Select long, heavy muscled sheep that are well balanced and neat in their lines. Prefer two or more sheep per pen. You may show a maximum of 3 market lambs per show.
COST:
$100.00 and up. Usually $150 to $300 per lamb. Remember that to be competitive you must have more than just a lamb. Also your care and herdsmanship can make a big difference if a lamb will be competitive.
CARE:
Feed lambs individually by tying up or in separate pens twice daily. Make sure fresh water is available at all times. Observe daily – head up, good appetite, perky, clear eyes, proper feces, etc.
FEED COST:
Approximately $5 to $15 per bag. Feed approximately 1 small coffee can twice per day. Adjust feed to fit lamb. Remember lambs are raised to be butchered and should exhibit meaty characteristics. A thin lamb or fat lamb will not be competitive.
HEALTH AND PREVENTION MAINTANCE:
You should worm once every two months and give overeating shot in spring and fall. Doctor for sheep fungus and ringworms as needed.
TRAINING:
Train to lead with a halter and by hand. Also train to brace, which means to push against you when you push on the lamb’s chest. This will increase the size of muscle the judge will feel.
EQUIPMENT:
Feeder, water trough, halter, sheep blanket and stretchy, wood chips, alfalfa hay for fill at show, 409 cleaner, woolite soap, and small brush for washing, towels, water hose with nozzle, sheep stand, clean rags, poodle card or small face card, water bottle, broom and square point shovel, extension cord, light.
NOTE: Our FFA chapter has large items that will be shared under the supervision of the advisor at the shows such as sheep stands and clippers.
SHOW PREPARATION:
Wash lamb and make sure it is clean all over. Many times legs, head and underline is not clean. Ring out water with your hands then towel dry. Put sheep on stand and dry with blow dryer. Shear sheep with proper clippers and blades. Thirty minutes before you show, clean the sheep. Use 409 cleaner for spot cleaning. Check fill. Exhibit your lamb properly.
NOTE: To exhibit your lamb properly follow these guidelines and ask for more detailed information.
Lead the lamb into the ring and follow the instructions of the judge and ringman. Always stay on the opposite side of the sheep from the judge. Get in line with the other sheep but don’t get covered up. Always have your lamb set up (legs at corners of body and back level) and an eye on the judge. Just prior to when the judge arrives at your lamb start preparing to brace. When the judge begins to handle your lamb, brace properly. Many times a lamb may do better or worse than it should because of good or poor showmanship.
