Sheep Show Southeastern Youth Fair

Official Attire 4-H PANTS (NO BLUE JEANS) GREEN BLACK KHAKI SHIRT COLLARED WHITE LONG SLEEVE WITH 4-H INSIGNIA 4-H JACKET OPTIONAL FFA PANTS (NO BLUE JEANS) BLACK SHIRT COLLARED WHITE BUTTON UP SHIRT FFA TIE/SCARF FFA JACKET ZIPPED UP AND WORN CORRECTLY

RECORD BOOKS TYPED OR HAND WRITTEN FOUND ON WEB SITE MSDOC- SAVE AND THEN TYPE PDF- PRINT AND HAND WRITE RECORDS START THE DAY OF WEIGH IN KEEP PROFESSIONAL IT IS NOT A SCRAP BOOK MUST BE SECURE TO THE BIND BIND FOLDERS OR THREE STAPLES ON BIND NO THREE RING BINDERS

NEW FOR RECORD BOOKS Record books must be complete & will be checked at the gate New Photo section (six photos required) All Exhibitors (4H-FFA) will have to show evidence of a project demonstration. Story OR Photo

LETTERS BUYER LETTER BE PROFESSIONAL INTRODUCE YOURSELF, YOUR CHAPTER/CLUB AFFILIATION & PROJECT DISCUSS LESSONS LEARNED PLANS FOR YOUR FUTURE WRITE MANY FOLLOW UP VISITS THANK YOU LETTER BE PROFESSIONAL INTRODUCE YOURSELF, YOUR CHAPTER/CLUB AFFILIATION & PROJECT BE APPRECIATIVE OF THEIR INVESTMENT PLAN FUTURE USE OF INVESTMENT DESCRIBE LESSONS LEARNED DUE TO SEYF OFFICE MARCH 31, 2013

PREMIERE EXHIBITOR CULMINATION OF PLACING IN THREE CATEGORIES SKILL A THON RECORD BOOK SHOWMANSHIP ALL AGE DIVISIONS ARE ELIGIBLE WILL SELL IN CHAMPIONS ROW

Lambs Facts They are gregarious prefer to be in a herd/flock. Excite easily. Move slow. Do not have a strong survival instinct. Not the smartest of the farm species. Eat rapidly.

Facilities Warm, dry, well ventilated area. Clean water troughs, feeders, and mineral and vitamin blocks with easy access. Fencing should keep predators out, preferably at least 5 ft. tall. Exercise Tracks/Areas are necessary for market show animals. Beware of dogs.

Nutrition Carbohydrates & Fats (Energy)- mostly from pasture, although grains may be used to supplement. Protein- Sheep need protein to produce wool. Alfalfa, clover, soybeans, various commercial supplements. Minerals- a quality mineral supplement (mineral block) should be available at all times to provide macro and micronutrients. (Feed Ration) Vitamins- a quality vitamin supplement (in feeds) should be available. (Feed Ration) Water- Sheep avg. 1 gallon/day Must be clean, fresh source.

Nutrition Sheep are grazers by design. Feed concentrates in small quantity. Raise feed trough/bucket. Good quality forage. Alfalfa, Perennial peanut, etc Sensitive to Copper. Check your feed tag. Fresh clean water. Not sure—ASK your 4-H Leader or FFA Advisor

Digestive Track

Digestive Anatomy Rumen- “the money maker” – largest part of the stomach. Fermentation vat that allows digestion of fibrous feeds. Reticulum- “the mover”- moves food and fiber from rumen to mouth for “cud chewing” also aides in removing of foreign ingested material. Omasum- “strong muscle” water is squeezed out a Abomasum- “True Stomach”- feed is mixed with gastric juices last step in digestion for a ruminant.

FEED Should be labeled for sheep. Good show ration 16% or higher in protein. General rule. “Garbage in, Garbage out.” Cheap feed will under perform. Do your homework- compare, ask questions.

Signs of Sickness Droopiness Loss of appetite Increased rate and depth of respiration Discharge from the nose and eyes Coughing Fever Body Temp (ANY TEMP HIGHER CALL A VET)

Parts of the Lamb

Selection Classification- Color markings, skeletal shape, wool characteristics all play a part in classification. Muscling- long, level, square rump, wide at the dock Structural Correctness- correct bone structure, no leg/walking problems, etc Style and Balance- appealing to the eye, tight skin, straight legs, trim middle, etc Growth Potential- Larger frame lambs have potential to grow bigger if managed correctly than smaller framed lambs.

Preparation Training- animals must be practiced for show just as the showman should practice. Training will calm animals and develop a routine that will add to success. Fitting- animals must be washed, cleaned, sheered, shaved, and physically prepared to enter the show ring to be successful.