The exhibitors were on their best behavior Wednesday during the annual Bartholomew County 4-H Fair Sheep show. But some of the exhibits were not.
During the Lil’ Wranglers show that featured 18 very young kids (ages 2 to 8), one ewe decided to lay down during a parade-like lap and refused to budge. Following a few attempts to get the lamb’s cooperation, a strong young farmer entered the ring, firmly picked up the animal, and placed the ewe upright. The ewe behaved from then on.
As 83 sheep were displayed Wednesday in 43 separate classes, show co-organizer Toni Whiteside said she expected some show ring issues with the sheep after the outside temperature climbed into the low 90s.
“When they leave the heat, come into air-conditioning, and find themselves (among strangers), these animals tend to act up,” Whiteside said.
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When Madison Fisher’s 116-pound Oxford ewe suddenly bolted to attempt an escape outside to the livestock barn, the 17-year-old Fisher maintained her composure, and — with some assistance from others — confidently brought the animal back into the ring.
Handling unexpected circumstances well is looked upon favorably by livestock show judges. And Fisher, who attends Columbus East High School, won the champion banner for best Oxford ewe.
But how the animal is sized up depends on the classification of the sheep, according to show judge Terry Burks of Bowling Green, Kentucky.
“For example, if I am judging market wethers (male sheep castrated before maturity), the judging is based on carcass value,” said Burks, who holds a master’s degree in animal science. “But if I’m judging breeding animals, things change. You might look for some of the same traits such as muscle, fat and growth rate. But the importance of each trait changes, and structure becomes more important than muscle.”
In addition, sheep shows are the only livestock show where there is a bit of a beauty contest going on, Burks said.
“They have to be attractive, and they have to look correct,” the judge said.
There were 11 classes that only had a single entry. For example, Hauser High School student Emily Harker had the only two animals entered for Dorset ewes and yearlings.
But the 16-year-old Harker said that isn’t the reason she won her champion banner and blue ribbons by default.
“I’ve put so much work into these sheep,” Harker said. “I feel good, because I know I’ve given the best product I possibly could.”
Another exhibitor from Hauser, Marnie Schwartzkopf, said it’s the daily chores, rather than the show prizes, that are most important.
“Working with sheep every day gives you more confidence for showmanship, in what your lamb will look like, and in your own performance,” the 16-year-old Schwartzkopf said.
The values expressed by both teens exemplify what the 4-H program is all about, the judge said.
“It doesn’t matter how many sheep compete, or how a ewe or ram places, because they are just the tools we use in livestock shows,” Burks said. “This program is about developing responsible adults who can lead, think and make decisions.”
Like many livestock shows, banners and ribbons often go to older and experienced 4-H members such as Brock Burbrink. The 17-year-old Burbrink has been working with sheep for nearly seven years, and one of his lambs was named champion in the Katahdin ewe competition.
A student at Columbus New Tech Academy, Burbrink said he works with three animals up to seven days a week for an hour. His chores include feeding, grooming, and walking them with a halter, he said.
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Grand Champion Ewe: Layne Hoeflinger
Reserve Grand Champion Ewe: Laynie Greene
Grand Champion County Born & Raised Ewe: Eliza Whiteside
Reserve Grand Champion County Born & Raised Ewe: Lilly Steinwedel
Grand Champion Market Lamb: Laynie Greene
Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb: Allana Whiteside
Grand Champion Born & Raised Market Lamb: Allana Whiteside
Reserve Grand Champion Born & Raised Market Lamb: Eliza Whiteside
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