The Jacob Sheep Breeder’s Association’s AGM–Part I

Last Thursday morning I stole away with some friends, the Phifers at Kenleigh Acres.  We hooked up my truck to their stock  trailer and set out on a road trip to Brighton, Colorado.  The event was the Jacob Sheep Breeder’s Association’s annual general meeting, or “AGM.”  This is the third AGM I have attended, the other two before were here on the west coast which was a lot easier on me and my fuel bill.  This time we were able to haul sheep for people to and from the show which helped with travel expenses and we were able to enjoy a road trip to see some beautiful country.  Out of all the western states, Wyoming was the one state I hadn’t seen yet.  I can now mark it off my list, as well as add it to a “must-visit-again” list.   The antelope or “speed goats” were plentiful throughout Wyoming especially, but we saw some in Utah and Nevada as well.

I think spotting them kept all of us pretty alert in the very long drive.  I also think that I’ve found a new goal, and that would be to antelope hunt in Wyoming and then continue on to South Dakota for a pheasant hunt (the latter is something I’ve always wanted to do.)

Lots of these wind turbines were throughout Wyoming, Utah and Nevada as well.  It is amazing to see how massive they are when you drive close by.  They’re a sure sign of heavy wind and Wyoming actually had large sections of I-80 that could be completely closed, flashing lights and gates included, due to heavy wind.  I would sure hate to be caught in winds like that, and especially stuck out on the freeway.

One of my favorite areas was near Buford, Wyoming.  Yep, that’s population of 1.  If my small family of 3 were to move there, Buford would have a population boom.

Outside of Buford a little way, toward Colorado, were these amazing rock formations.  They’re were fascinating.

I especially liked the small families of aspen trees – just starting to change color even.  I also liked that rock, balanced on top of a cluster of rocks.  It looks as if it could roll off with just a bit of wind.

And what’s a road trip without a bit of house shopping, eh?  I found mine here, overlooking a small canyon.  The the back of that, was this…

Yes, I could live in this type of country.

After a long 14.5 hour day in the truck, from my place to Salt Lake City, UT – then an 8 hour day in the truck from Salt Lake to Brighton, CO we arrived at our destination, the Adams County Fairgrounds.  We unloaded the sheep, stretched our legs and greeted fellow Jacob Sheep lovers.  Then we continued on in the festivities and watched the judging of the wool show and the spinner’s lead contest.

Our spinner’s lead judges were Linda B. from Georgia (her blog is here), and Ingrid P. from Oregon.  Both ladies are well respected in the Jacob sheep world and they did an excellent job judging.

First we started with the juniors group and there were some lovely participants.

One of my new travelling buddies with his ram Rudolph, modeling his felted vest won second place.

This lovely pair won first place – with a flowery felted ensemble.

They matched quite well, and actually did well on Saturday in the show ring too – more on that later.

Contenders in the senior show were fun to watch as well.  Here is Lorraine P. from Colorado showing off her lovely hand spun and knit cardigan that she uses almost on a daily basis.

And my beautiful friend Shannon P. from Oregon showing off her hand dyed, carded, felted, and sewn jacket.  She won a well deserved first.

This fun gentleman is Ed P. (lots of “P” last names!) is from Missouri and he is showing off this gorgeous knitted cardigan (work done by his wife) and his lovely…

socks.  His ewe seems especially interested in those.

This is the lovely Kim S. from Oklahoma, who placed second for her beautiful hand spun and crocheted cowl and hat.

It was a great showing by all who participated and I know I was excited to have a good nights sleep in the same place for two nights in a row.  The following day was the sheep show as well as various informative lectures.  More on that soon!