[Jacob-list] Meat Sheep Judges (again)

[Neal and Louise Grose]

Several years ago, I had the Grand Champion ram at the Southeastern Animal Fiber Festival (thanks Linda for reminding me). SAFF has only wool breeds in the show. I was still not impressed. In combined classes, we should NOT expect Jacobs Sheep to place high in the classes. The standard for a mixed class has to be different for that of a breed class. 

In wool classes, for example, there is should be a consideration for consistency of fleece. The standard deviation of fiber diameter within the fleece should be relatively low regardless of breed or fiber length and diameter. Jacobs Sheep should have a much greater standard of deviation among fibers. (Even though it should fall short of the "twin median" of double fleeced sheep.)

In meat classes, the standard has to be skewed even more since wool should not count for more than 20% of the total credit given to the animal. Meat characteristics such as heavily muscled legs are abomination in our breed.

When Jaci said that she had interest and inquiries for next years lambs, that is good enough for this setting. Like I told a friend that was making a Don Quixote-like run for Congress a few years ago: There are worse things than loosing!

Neal Grose
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: JACI SIEHL 
  To: jacob-list at jacobsheep.com 
  Sent: Friday, August 24, 2007 3:29 PM
  Subject: [Jacob-list] Meat Sheep Judges (again)


  Good news, bad news......I had the only Jacob sheep at a recent show (actually the only wool-type sheep).  The first thing the judge said to me was that he recognized them, but did not know anything about them.  So my guys all placed near or at the bottom against Dorset, hamps, cheviot, etc.  But he did make some positive comments to me and to the audience as he announced the winners.  He also told me that if he had known there were Jacob in the show he would have looked them up so he would be prepared.  He also stated that he was always interested in seeing different breeds in the shows because that helps keep the interest for the general public.

  I thanked the judge for his honesty and for his remarks.  I also let him know that he will be seeing my sheep at a lot more shows and that I am getting other breeders (Shetland, Wensleydales, etc) involved so we may soon need just a wool division.

  I had asked the fair staff a week ago if the judges knew what breeds were being shown because most judges aren't familiar with my breed.  Their reply was, "yes, of course.  Our judges are fully prepared to judge all the sheep that will be in the shows".  Obviously they didn't know what they were talking about.

  Even though this year was not what I hoped it would be, I am really looking forward to next year and will show any sheep I can (even those that I know aren't top notch), just to get the exposure. And I am showing at the California State Fair next week in the Heritage Breed.  This will be the first time I'll be against other similar sheep and probably with a knowledgeable judge - this will be very interesting and educational, I'm sure.

  I have had inquiries for locker lambs, fleeces, and next year's lambs while at the show.  I know I won't hear from most people, but at least we are being noticed.


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