Sheep Showmanship

I participated in Sheep Showmanship today. I did not place which really bummed me out because of all the practice and hard work George and I did. Mom and Dad said I should be proud of what I've done and that my effort is what matters. George and I will see you at the Junior Livestock Auction on Saturday.

The Fair Is Here!

George and I are at the California Mid-State Fair. Come look at him in the lamb barn. We are located at the far right hand side of the barns near the main grandstand. Look for Templeton 4-H Club. George is in the only pen with three lambs. Hope to see you there!

Sheep Meeting

On Friday July, 16th we had a sheep meeting. We weighed George and he was 152lbs. His weight gain in one week was 16lbs. After that we practiced showmanship and I did well. I’ve continued to walk George two miles everyday.

Sheep Buyer's Letter

Today, my mom and I went around Templeton, Paso Robles, and Atascadero handing buyer’s letters to businesses. If you are a potential buyer thank you for visiting my blog I hope you enjoy it. For information on how to become a buyer contact Joanne Switzer, Livestock Superintendent at the California Mid-State Fair at 805-239-0655. Buyers receive free entry for the day and free lunch. Thank you to the local businesses for letting me present my buyers package to you, and supporting our local 4-H groups.

San Luis Obispo County 4-H Field Day

On Saturday, June 12th I went to San Luis Obispo County Field Day at the Mid State Fair. It is an annual 4-H event that is good practice for the real fair that is just over a month away. I participated in showmanship with 36 kids including myself. I got 4th place and took level testing for sheep. Field Day was long and exhausting but I think it was a good experience. After field day we sprayed our lambs for fungus.

Sheep Shearing

On Friday, June 11th before field day, I washed my lamb. Then I took him on a walk to dry him off so he didn’t get chilled. I closed off a clean space in the lamb’s pen, and filled it with shavings so he would stay clean for field day. I sheared George with beef clippers. It gave him a clean close shear. I think he looked good.

Templeton 4-H Sheep Meeting

On Tuesday, June 8th we met at my sheep leaders home for a meeting. We weighed our lambs. George weighed 123 lbs that is a 20 lb gain since our last weigh-in. We also practiced showmanship. I realized that I put my hand on my lambs back a lot and it is a habit I need to break. I think that I should work on bracing my lamb more. It will show the judge his muscle development.

Sheep Meeting

Friday night was the first meeting where you are supposed to bring your lamb. When I showed up for the meeting most people were shocked at the size of my lamb and asked how old my lamb was. I told them that my lamb was born on January 28, 2010 which is approximately the same age as everyone else’s lamb. We then had to take our 60 day pictures which included photographs of our lambs front, side and rear view. These pictures are submitted along with our fair entries. We wormed our lambs, weighed them (George weighed 103 pounds), filled out paper for the fair, and got packets for our next fundraiser.

Training

Halter breaking your lamb is one of the first things you do after you bring it home. A halter broke lamb is eaisier to lead and can be tied for cleaning, examinations, and exercising.

Emergency Sheep Meeting

Last night we had an emergency sheep meeting to sign everyone up for Field Day in June. Field Day is a mock competition where we practice showing our lambs just like we would at the fair. Real competition judges are there and judge and place everyone's lambs. I'll keep you updated.

Lamb Exercise

I try to walk George once a day. Walking builds muscle, relieves stress and boredom, and allows us to bond. Working with George on a daily basis is calming for him and prepares him for showmanship.

Lamb Feed

Based on the breeders recommendation, I supplement the alfalfa I give George with Showtime Lamb Feed. It is a complete coarse textured feed that contains 17% protein and ammonium chloride for prevention of urinary ualculi. Not only is it good for him but George loves it. Showtime Lamb Feed is available locally at Santa Margarita Feed & Farm Supply.

Introduction

My name is William Lorz and this is my fourth year in the Templeton 4-H Group. I spent two years showing chickens as a primary member and this will be my second year showing lambs. My lamb that I purchased on April 1st is named George. He is a male Hampshire/Suffolk cross breed. He was born January 28, 2010 on the Casey Sheep Ranch. The day I purchased him he weighed 70 lbs. His ear tag number is 1004. I was attracted to him because he was long loined, tall, and muscular. I paid more for him than my lamb last year, but I think he will weigh more and impress the judge as long as I put the work into him. I can't wait to see how well George does at the fair. I have a lot of work to do.

George Comes Home

On April Fool's Day, Mom, my brother Walter, and I went out to the Casey's farm to pick out a lamb. I chose George because he showed exceptional qualities, even though he cost a little more than I had expected.