[Jacob-list] Who and Where are the Show Flocks???????

[R. Unzicker]

Thanks, Linda for putting into words what I have been wanting to say.  I have been intending to reply to the "show flock" issue but not sure what to say.  For me personally, the term "show flock" is not a positive one.  It reminds me of sheep that are bred soley to win in the showring regardless of how well they conform to the breed standard or how well they sire or deliver and raise healthy lambs.

  True, we do show our sheep.   But our purpose is to promote the breed, to make people aware of this rare breed.   Because Jacobs are a rare breed, I feel strongly it is important to maintian as much diversity in our flocks.  When looking at our flock list, one can usually find at least a dozen different flock prefixes.   When possible, I am happy to purcahse sheep from some of the earliest lines in the US.   In our flock, so far, there are always FF and A generation sheep as we have tried to bring some of the earlier importations back into the registry.   Some of these sheep would never win in a show ring but they are some of my favorite sheep. 
 
 I try to rasie Jacobs that fall well within the breed standard.   Perhaps one of the reasons I have many sheep in our flock bred by other Jacob breeders is that it reassures me my Jacobs do fit the breed standard.  That, plus I have an admitted weakness for passing up a beautiful Jacob!  :-)   A down side to continually adding new lines to our flock is that it can easily become a melting pot of Jacobs.    Not necessairly  a bad thing but eventually there would be less distinct lines left.  I try to use several rams so that I do not use the same ram on all the various lines in an effort to keep some genetic distance.  As I look at the various sheep we have shown, the ones the judges felt best do represent a wide cross section of many Jacob breeders.   So, you breed them, I show them, and in doing so, I promote your sheep and  mine.  
Sorry if I have gotten off the subject but it seemed important at the time.  :-)
Royal 
----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Linda 
  To: Meg Steensland ; Gotothewhip at aol.com ; jacob-list at jacobsheep.com 
  Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2008 8:05 PM
  Subject: Re: [Jacob-list] Who and Where are the Show Flocks???????


  I don't think that all the people that show (and win) at MSWF would consider their flocks as "show flocks".  Maybe I'm putting too much emphasis on the term "show flock".  These breeders sure do raise some nice show sheep, but are not breeding sheep solely to please the judges such as breeding for larger, heavier boned sheep.  It's just my outlook, I guess, but I don't consider the term "show flock" to be complimentary. We are all too aware of Juliet's warning about the fate of Jacobs in the UK - one small step at a time. 
  Royal sure wins alot at MSWF. If you're looking for top show stock, he'd be a good one to contact. I consider Royal's flock an excellent example of a diverse flock that raises some excellent show sheep in addition to some excellent primitive sheep and some fine examples of older lines - I don't consider it a "show flock". It's probably my misinterpretation of the term. I tend to see it as meaning a flock that breeds with winning shows as the only goal.  Hope you don't mind me using you for an example, Royal :-)

  Sounds like you do a great job of promoting Jacobs, Meg.  Keep up the good work! You've inspired me.
  Speaking of shows. We're hoping to get a good showing of Jacobs at the NC Mountain State Fair in Asheville, NC in September. If we get enough entries, we will be considered for Jacob classes in 2009. Also in Asheville, things are looking good for Jacob classes at the 2008 SAFF (Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair) the last weekend in October. I'll be emailing the SE JSBA members a bit later in the year with more details. If you think you might want to show at either of these shows, do let me know.  Making a trip this way to deliver or pick up sheep?  Spend a day at the show and help promote Jacobs. 

  Linda

   
  www.patchworkfibers.com
  Registered Jacob Sheep, Angora Rabbits, Handspun Yarn




  > In central OH - we show primarily to promote the breed and the idea
  > of conserving sheep/species on the ALBC list.  We take the best
  > specimens we have and I will send as mmany as 7 different yearlings
  > to 4 fairs.  When we win (often at 2 of the fairs - but the Ohio
  > State Fair is just a static exhobit of 20 diff breeds), it is an
  > added incentive.  We have to sgow in the ALL OTHER BREEDS category
  > against whatever other bring.
  >
  > I also take the sheep to pageants and other show opps (may try
  > nursing homes sometime with the llamas).  Sat Mar 8 we are going to
  > a B&B Open House with stock, fiber, and a pelt.  My friend Dennis
  > has aleady sold them some petting lambs and baby goats.
  >
  > I would guess that the folks who routinely go to the Maryland Sheep
  > and Wooll Fest have real show flocks.  The Stacks in AR have many
  > of my very best offspring from the last couple of years - I hope
  > they are able to build a show flock with them.
  >
  > Gotothewhip at aol.com wrote:
  >> As you all know, We are pretty new to this, and are REALLY
  >> enjoying the show aspect (Mostly fueled by the winning)  Am
  >> curious.. Are there breeders in the Jacob world that are known
  >> for their show sheep?  And is there any record keeping as far as
  >> show ring sucess?
  >>
  >> Jennifer Tucker
  >> Moose Mtn Ranch
  >> Bennett, CO
  >>
  >>
  >> It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance.
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