Q: This is my first year showing sheep. How many sheep can I bring to the fair?
A: You can bring one lamb for the Born & Raised market class, and one lamb for the regular market class. You may also choose to participate in the Carcass Class with one lamb. In addition you may bring a First Year Sheep Breeding Class ewe lamb.
Q: What is the difference between a Jackpot show and the Stark County Jr. Fair Lamb Show?
A: A Jackpot Show is used to showcase bloodlines. Lambs are judged on confirmation and muscling. A Jackpot Show is a visual show. Judges are asked to judge by eyesight and touch. Winners are given large cash prizes. Lambs can be taken to more than one show throughout the year, because Jackpot Shows are not sales.
The Stark County Jr. Fair Show is an educational experience for the participants. Exhibitors are asked to learn good management practices, and to learn about nutrition, and disease management. Lambs are showcased to the general public for an entire week. Lambs are judged for confirmation and muscling in the show ring. The biggest major difference from a jackpot show is that all lambs are sold at the end of the fair to consumers who are looking for a good tasting, fresh, lamb, or are purchasing a ewe lamb to improve their herd quality.
Q: The Sheep Committee has added a new rule about access to fresh water in the pens at all times. Why can’t I just offer my lamb water when I feel it needs it?
A: Lambs are kept at the Stark County Fair barn for an entire week. During the fair, thousands of people come to look at the animals. The lambs need access to fresh water all the time to overcome stress and the heat. We are not cruel to animals, and we certainly wouldn’t want the general public to think that we would deny our animals water.
Q: Why does my lamb have to be slick shorn at check-in?
A: Ringworm and Club Lamb Fungus are contagious to other sheep and people handling infected animals. The fungus organisms can be on clippers, feeders, blankets, etc. In order to protect the persons handling or petting the sheep, and the other sheep in the fair barn, and to keep the pens free of fungus, a vet check is done at check-in. Any animal showing signs of an active Ringworm or Club Lamb Fungus infection will be sent home. It is necessary to have your lamb slick shorn for a better visual vet check. Lambs’ wool needs to be LESS THAN 1/2 INCH in length at check-in or you will be asked to return home with your animal.
Q: If a good market lamb has only a very small amount of fat, what is the purpose of the rate of gain requirement in the rules?
A: It is part of the Stark County educational program that an exhibitor “raises” his own market lamb. The rate of gain requirement helps to insure that an exhibitor buys a lamb young enough to grow all summer, rather than purchasing an older lamb and maintaining its size all summer. The rate of gain rule also helps to ensure our exhibitors are doing their chores and properly feeding their lambs. A lamb that does not gain weight is not eating properly. It is not our goal to produce overly fat market lambs!
Q: What is sore mouth?
A: Sore mouth is a virus that causes blisters at the corners of the mouth of sheep. The blisters break and form scabs. Eating can be painful for baby lambs with sore mouth. There is no good treatment for this disease. The scabs will heal in three to four weeks. If sore mouth is a problem in your flock, vaccinations can be considered.
Sore mouth is contagious and can cause a disease called “Orf” in humans. Orf may bring on a fever and abcesses on the skin. It often shows up on the hands.
Protection should be worn when handling sheep with sore mouth. Cover up hands, arms, etc.