Sheep Industry News June 2023

traditionally not participated much,” said Langstaff. “It’s unfortunate since the handspinners and other fiber artists are increasingly inter ested in working with wool from breeds such as Southdowns, Suffolks, Shrops, Hamps, Clun Forest, Tunis and others. A few years ago, I added a new class for down-type wool as a separate class from other medium white wools so that they could be more easily found by interested buy ers and so they don't have to compete against the Corries and Finns, etc. as they are such different types. I'm still very interested in getting more participation from these producers since they are surely not get ting anything meaningful for their wool from the commercial market.” Saturday morning is the prime time to sell fleeces and it is a spec tacle one has to witness to fully appreciate as hordes of fiber enthusiasts flock to the Fleece Barn to get their hands on one (or 10) fleeces to purchase and take home. There are literally traffic jams trying to get through the isles. Producers set the price and most fleeces are sold by the end of the weekend. Volunteers are also scattered through the barn to help buyers find the right fleece. The champion fleece in each category is put into the newly named – and in honor of one of the festival’s founders – David Greene Silent Auction. This year’s white grand champion fleece was a gorgeous white, five-inch long fleece with blocky locks and stunning crimp and luster grown by Ruppert Corriedales. It was the kind of fleece that is easy for fiber artists to spin and makes everyone in the barn drool. It sold for an astounding $80 per pound. More than 700 fleeces were purchased by buyers coming from 30 different states. Coated fleeces – where the sheep wear a coat through out the year to keep the wool clean – typically sell for about $21 per pound, while uncoated fleeces usually sell for about $17 per pound. “Handspinners are interested in all kinds of wool, especially unique, well taken-care-of fleeces,” Langstaff said. “This is a great opportunity for producers.” SHEEP SHOW Roughly 800 sheep came to the festival and had to be scattered throughout several barns. They kept the two show rings constantly busy throughout the weekend with breed and wool shows. The bleachers and all the way around the rings were crowded with onlookers throughout the weekend. Past numbers – when sheep numbers in the United States were higher – climbed upwards of 1,250 sheep. While less base breeds such as Rambouillet and Corriedale partici pate, there has been an explosion in natural color and long wool breeds. Producers new and old flock to the show to showcase their wool sheep, which are judged by Dr. Shawn Ramsey and Zane Bone While some sheep excelled in confirmation and some shined in their wool, several excelled in both. The supreme champion drive was held late Sunday afternoon with a supreme champion ram, ewe and fleece awarded. New this year was the junior show for youth. “We need more youth involved,” said Dr. Mara Mullinix, who over sees the sheep show. “Youth have new ideas, but we also need to learn from the old, and all stay open minded.” Walking into the quiet room of the Junior Skillathon, festival goers

are struck by how focused the kids are and the variety of sheep related items on the tables. From sheep supplies, to hay, to different feeds, to cuts of lamb, to fleeces, kids are tested on their knowledge of the items. It’s a great, fun way to educate the next generation on the many aspects on raising sheep. BOOTHS Approximately 250 booths were scattered in almost every building, tent, nook and cranny throughout the expansive fairgrounds. The main exhibit barn was packed with yarns, pelts, trinkets and even wool pil lows. Outside booths offered wool shoes, honey and sheep supplies. If you’re into local food, music, fiber arts or are just an animal lover, this was the place to do your Christmas, birthday, mother’s day, and every other holiday’s shopping for the year. SEMINARS Seminars were held the week prior to and during the festival and are not only for fiber artists. There were also classes specifically for produc ers, such as the How to Produce a Nice Fleece class . Other producer

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