JSBA AGM Part II–A sheep called Wanda

Saturday, the following day after we had arrived in Brighton, Colorado was the Junior and Open Jacob Sheep Show.  It is always interesting to me to see the differences within the Jacob breed throughout the regions – and we had many represented there.

We had a good turn out of Junior members showing their sheep.  Each one was an excellent showman and could have given the adults a run for their money if they were competing on showmanship rather than on the animal itself.

Here’s my littlest travelling buddy showing his big ram.  I cannot believe that ram is from this year.  He could easily be mistaken for a yearling.  They placed very well together.

The adult class was fun to watch and the judges comments are always interesting to hear.  This is how the class placed, from right to left.

Wandering around and checking out all the sheep in the pens was fun.  I found a lot of diversity, but to me, diversity is good amongst a heritage breed.  This gal was very curious as to what was going on in the show ring.  She had a bale of hay in the pen which leant a good view.

This was the other ewe in “the room with a view” – her name is Wanda, and she had me at hello.  I was instantly smitten.  The funny thing about this photo is that it was taken shortly after I was visiting with Wanda and is by my friend Shannon at Kenleigh Acres.  She came over and showed me this photograph and I quickly looked away and said, “Don’t show that to me!”  I didn’t need any more encouragement to bring this ewe home with me – the temptation was already there but I had thought I wasn’t going to bring any new sheep home.

As the day went on, I kept going back to visit Wanda, even from afar off to just glance over and admire her.  Each type I went by she was smiling at me… Finally, I gave in and bought her from Ingrid at Puddleduck Farm in Oregon.  Even more funny was that Shannon had pre-bought a ewe named Perfect Spot Ailsa from Byeburn Farm in New Jersey.  We checked out Wanda and then noticed that she and Ailsa were very much alike.

Here we are with our girls, same horn sweep, pink noses, white legs and Huntsberger (Butter Island) lines in their pedigrees.  Shannon and I both agree that we have great taste in sheep.

The rest of the day we had some great workshops on the Nutrition of Handspinning Fleece and were able to watch a very cool machine measure the microns of wool (great information as a breeder!) and were then treated by an absolutely marvelous dinner of Jacob lamb!  A perfect ending to a very fun day – thanks to Jennifer and Brian of Moose Mtn. Ranch for putting it all on!

Here’s Wanda at home – and…

…that famous smile.