SHEEP SHOW

Judge: John Merlau • New Palestine, Indiana

I currently raise both registered Natural Colored and Corriedale sheep on our central Indiana farm, having started with registered Corriedales as a 4-H youth in 1959. Previously, we also raised registered Rambouillets. I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University in Agricultural Economics and graduated from The John Marshall Law School. I currently maintain a private law practice, together with my son, in New Palestine, Indiana, where I reside with my wife Cathy.

I have twice served as president of the National Corriedale Association and previously served on the board of directors of the American Rambouillet Sheep Breeders Association. Currently, I serve as president of the Natural Colored Wool Growers Association. I served as a Director and President of the Indiana State Fair Board and as sheep department Superintendent. I have judged both sheep and fleece shows as well as many sales across the country, some of which include the Oregon, Missouri, Tennessee, Iowa, and California State Fairs as well as the North American Livestock Exposition, The PA Farm Show, the Cow Palace, and the old Pacific International show as well as several national sales.

Our family has been active exhibitors at shows and fairs from coast to coast having exhibited numerous national champions.

I consider it a privilege and honor to serve as judge for this year’s Black Sheep Gathering and look forward to meeting many new friends.

Junior Showmanship

Showmanship Instructor: Maria Rooney
Silverton, Oregon

Maria Rooney has been the owner-operator of Silver Creek Lambscapes since 1986, a progressive sheep operation in Northwest Oregon that currently runs 300 head of New Zealand Coopworth, white and natural colored Romney, and Horned Dorset Ewes. Rooney’s philosophy encompasses proactive management, high quality genetics, and rigorous selection standards to achieve a balanced, productive sheep.

Maria has for many years utilized in her flock artificial insemination from New Zealand using top quality rams for wool quality, vigor, and growth rate. Rooney actively shows her breeding stock across the country at Maryland, Reno, Big E, NAILE, BSG and Oregon State Fairs. She has won many supreme flock and national champion awards for her leading show flock. Rooney has served on many breed association boards and is currently president of the North American Romney Association and the Oregon Purebred Sheep Breeders Association. Rooney has served on many breed association boards and is currently president of the North American Romney Association and the Oregon Purebred Sheep Breeders Association.

LOTS:

1. Registered Navajo-Churro.
2. Registered Shetland.
• Award: The Northwestern Shetland Sheep Breeders Trophy for the Best Young Breeders Flock of Shetland Sheep.
3. Registered Jacob.
4. Omitted letter.
5. Registered White Lincoln.
6. White Registered Long, Medium and Fine Wool Breeds.
7. Teeswater.
8. Registered White Romney.
9. BlueFaced Leicester (white and natural colored, 2 white and 2 natural colored allowed per exhibitor, per class).
10. NCWGA Primitive breeds.
11. NCWGA Registered Long/Coarse Wool (48 and lower).
12. NCWGA Registered Medium Wool (50-58).
13. NCWGA Registered Fine Wool (60 and finer).
14. Natural Colored Romeldale/CVM.
• Award: Romeldale/CVM Award for Best Romeldale in Show and Romeldale/CVM Fleece.
15. Reg. Natural Colored Wool Breeds — non-NCWGA flocks.
16. Omitted letter.
17. Omitted letter.
18. Omitted letter.
19. Gotland.
20. Registered Colored Romney.
21. Omitted letter.
22. Omitted letter.
23. Omitted letter.

Sunday — Junior Sheep Show — See Livestock Rule 17

24. Registered Long/Coarse Wool (48 and lower) Junior.
25. Registered Medium/Fine Wool (50 and finer) Junior.
26. Junior Showmanship (Jr. ages 5-10, Int. ages 11-14, Sr. ages 15-18).

CLASS:

1. Yearling Ram — less than 24 months old.
2. Ram Lamb — born December 15, 2018 - April 15, 2019.
3. Pair of Ram Lambs — owned by exhibitor. Must be shown in class 2.
4. Yearling Ewe — less than 24 months old.
5. Ewe Lamb — born December 15, 2018 - April 15, 2019.
6. Pair of Ewe Lambs — owned by exhibitor. Must be shown in class 5.

GROUP CLASSES:

7. Breeders Young Flock — 1 ram lamb, 2 ewe lambs owned by exhibitor. Must have been shown in classes 2 and 5.

BLACK SHEEP CUP

Best Young Flock of Show: Winners of each lot to compete. This is a perennial trophy donated by the Black Sheep Newsletter.

GLEN EIDMAN MEMORIAL TROPHY

Best Sheep of Show: Champions from each lot to compete. This is a perennial trophy in Glen’s memory donated by the Black Sheep Gathering organization.

LIVESTOCK BREEDERS

Promote your farm and support the BSG by donating your lamb or goat for the 2019 Black Sheep Gathering Potluck.