Entries must be received by August 15th, no late entries will be accepted.
If the Superintendent or fair official observes 4H Youth animal regardless of where that animal is housed being clipped, fitted or cared for by anyone other than the 4H Youth member, that animal will be disqualified from the 4H Youth show and will be subject to premiums being withheld.
All entries must be owned by or registered to the 4H Youth member only. Age will be determined by teeth. Ram lambs will be permitted in the market lamb project but must be permanently identified as a market lamb. Market lambs cannot be shown in any other breed class during the same show season. Large classes will be divided according to fall or spring lambs.
All classes may be divided at the discretion of the Superintendent and one entry per class with the exception of Lot #5 only to allow exhibitor to participate in bred and owned classes, Lots 9, 10, 12 and 13 where appropriate. Halters are optional and the member will be judged on their ability to show their animal to their best advantage in the style chosen. Points may be deducted if a halter is used but ignored. Halters are mandatory for novice members. Exhibitor may have assistance from another 4H Youth member for group classes. If a 4H Youth member is exhibiting his/her sheep and receives assistance from another 4H Youth member, the owner must be at the head of the sheep; foot setters are optional.
Dress Code: Slacks Only. (review dress code page 7)
All animals used in Fitting and Showing must be shown in breed or Market Class. All papers must be checked prior to showing. No sheep must have been exposed to any infectious or contagious diseases (foot rot, sore mouth, and pink eye, to be specific). Ownership of Stock – All sheep must be owned prior to June 15.
CLASS REFERENCE :
- Junior Ram Lamb, born on or after January 1, 2024 but before April 29, 2024
- Senior Ram Lamb, born September 1, 2023 and before January 1, 2024
- Yearling Ram, born September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023.
- Junior Ewe Lamb, born on or after January 1, 2024 but before April 29, 2024 – 2 entries may be shown in this class only to allow exhibitor to qualify to participate in bred and owned classes (Lots #9, 10, 12 & 13), where appropriate.
- Senior Ewe Lamb, born September 1, 2023 and before January 1, 2024.
- Yearling Ewe, born September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023.
- Pair of Ewes, one yearling ewe and one ewe lamb, owned by exhibitor.
- Pair of Lambs, one ram and one ewe owned by exhibitor.
- Exhibitor’s Flock, one ram and one yearling ewe and one ewe lamb owned by exhibitor.
- Breeder’s Young Flock, either yearling or ram lamb, one yearling ewe and one ewe lamb, bred and owned by exhibition.
- Get of Sire, 3 any age or sex all from the same sire, bred and owned by exhibitor.
Note: In all bred and owned classes, papers must be shown in the show ring. Entries in group classes must have been shown in individual classes. Order of show will be as printed in the book.
FITTING AND SHOWING
| CLASS | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD |
| SENIOR MEMBER | $20 | $15 | $10 |
| INTERMEDIATE MEMBER | $20 | $15 | $10 |
| JUNIOR MEMBER | $20 | $15 | $10 |
| NOVICE MEMBER | $20 | $15 | $10 |
All 4H Youth sheep exhibitors must show in the appropriate Fitting and Showing Class to enter remaining classes.
MARKET LAMB
| CLASS | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD |
| MARKET LAMB – LIGHT | $18 | $12 | $9 |
| MARKET LAMB – HEAVY | $18 | $12 | $9 |
At Conclusion of Breed Show All Market Lambs must be shorn and designated as a Market Lamb on approval form. All Market Lambs weighing 95 lbs. and under will be Light Weight Lambs. All Market Lambs weighing 96 lbs. and over will be Heavy Weight Lambs. Top Market Lamb in each lot receives a Rosette
BEST FLEECE (On Hoof)
| CLASS |
AWARD |
| BEST FLEECE | ROSETTE |
Indoor Ring
This class is open to all 4H Youth wool sheep, registered or unregistered, whose fleece will be judged for character, color, uniformity and wastiness. Top place will receive a blanket donated by N.H. Sheep and Wool Growers and a Rosette.
LEAD LINE
| CLASS | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD |
| SENIOR MEMBER | $20 | $15 | $10 |
| INTERMEDIATE MEMBER | $20 | $15 | $10 |
| JUNIOR MEMBER | $20 | $15 | $10 |
| NOVICE MEMBER | $20 | $15 | $10 |
Sheep should be fitted according to requirements of its breed association. All work in trimming and training to halter must be by exhibitor. Sheep are shown in halters. No coloring of sheep. Entrant and sheep should complement one another. All or a portion of the 4H Youth member’s garment must be at least 75% wool. Points (up to 10) will be awarded for the percentage of the outfit constructed by the 4H Youth member and bonus points for the percentage of the outfit constructed by the 4H Youth member (up to 5). Maximum total points for this class are 100; 75 maximum points for the garment and 25 maximum points for the sheep.
The member’s garment may be knitted, felted, crocheted, or woven. Garment should be appropriate for fabric and lend elegance to class. Handler and sheep should promote 4H Youth sheep clubs and/or the sheep industry.
The animal may not be covered or decorated in any way. Coordination of the halter (optional) is permitted.
CLASSES
| CLASS | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD |
| JUNIOR RAM LAMB | $18 | $12 | $9 |
| SENIOR RAM LAMB | $18 | $12 | $9 |
| YEARLING RAM | $18 | $12 | $9 |
| CHAMPION RAM | ROSETTE | *** | *** |
| JUNIOR EWE LAMB | $18 | $12 | $9 |
| SENIOR EWE LAMB | $18 | $12 | $9 |
| YEARLING EWE | $18 | $12 | $9 |
| CHAMPION EWE | ROSETTE | *** | *** |
| PAIR OF EWES | $18 | $12 | $9 |
| PAIR OF LAMBS | $18 | $12 | $9 |
| EXHIBITOR’S FLOCK | $18 | $12 | $9 |
| BREEDER’S YOUNG FLOCK | $18 | $12 | $9 |
| GET OF SIRE | $18 | $12 | $9 |
| GRAND CHAMPION EWE | ROSETTE | *** | *** |
| GRAND CHAMPION RAM | ROSETTE | *** | *** |
COMMERCIAL EWES
| CLASS | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD |
| COMMERCIAL EWE | $18 | $12 | $9 |
Commercial Ewes can only be shown if you have no registered animals in the show.
Note: 4H members are permitted to show only one (1) unregistered working lamb or ewe in this class. No group classes are permitted. Animals shown in this class will not be eligible for Championship Rosettes. Class may be divided at the discretion of the Superintendent depending upon animals registered for this class.
SHEEP BLOCKING & TRIMMING
| CLASS | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD |
| BLOCKING & TRIMMING | $20 | $15 | $10 |
Friday 10:00 AM Outside Between the Hood Building and the 4-H Goat- Sheep Barns
Anyone wishing to participate in this contest must bring their own animal to the Fair. Animal must arrive with the exhibitor, be checked by the Fair Veterinarian and remain on the grounds until release on Monday. Exhibitor must bring a sheep from pasture that has not been fitted within the year. Animal may be be prewashed prior and belly shorn.
HERDSMANSHIP
| CLASS | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD |
| SENIOR MEMBER | $20 | $15 | $10 |
| INTERMEDIATE MEMBER | $20 | $15 | $10 |
| JUNIOR MEMBER | $20 | $15 | $10 |
| NOVICE MEMBER | $20 | $15 | $10 |
Each member will be scored daily on: general appearance of 4H Youth member and exhibit, care of equipment, animals and stalls, personal appearance, conduct, presence at exhibit, willingness to interact with public and share information about their exhibit, cooperation, sportsmanship and promptness at ringside. Exhibitors participating in the 4-H Herdsmanship are not eligible for the Open Shepherd’s award.
LA ROCHELLE LIVESTOCK AWARD
Sponsored by Merrimack County 4-H Livestock Club
To be presented to a Merrimack County 4-H Livestock Club member who shows exemplary leadership, Sportsmanship, and heardsmanship, Presented in gratitude for the many years of volunteerism that the LaRochelle family has contributed to Merrimack County 4-H.
JEAN SHERMAN AWARD
Sponsored by Merrimack County 4-H Livestock Club
To be presented to a showperson who best exemplifies Jeanne’s sense of sportsmanship and participation in 4-H sheep events. Presented in memory of Jeanne Sherman, founder of the Merrimack County 4-H Sheep Club and “Gram” to all her kids. Award will be presented only when there are deserving candidates.