Animals Animal Science Facts
Extension Animal Husbandry ANS96-601S/G

Sheep Exhibitor's Project Guide
(5 - 6 Years of Age)

Matthew C. Claeys
Extension Livestock Specialist

Sharon B. Rogers
Extension Livestock Technician

General Knowledge Information

Taking part in a 4-H Livestock Project can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Through the sheep project you are given the opportunity to learn about taking care of an animal, working with other young people, and developing sound judgment skills. When beginning with any new project or activity it is a learning experience for all involved. More knowledge is gained by taking part than by watching others.

Below are the most important aspects that you should know about your project animal to make your learning experience complete. Remember that the more you work with the lamb project the more knowledge that you can gain.

Items to Learn and Know

Body Parts to Know
Hock
Leg
Loin
Shoulder

Basic Equipment to Know

Halter
Wool card
Hoof trimmer
Clippers

Sheep Showmanship Danish Standards for 5 and 6 Year Old Exhibitors

Showmanship provides the opportunity to show an animal to the best of your ability. You are judged on how well you show your animal. Judging for showmanship does not include the conformation of the animal. Practice and planning will help you improve your showmanship skills. "Market Lamb Showmanship" fact sheet (ANS 95-003B) and a "4-H Market Lamb Manual" from your county Cooperative Extension office are reference materials available for more in depth coverage of showmanship styles and care of the project animal.

Below are the showmanship standards for 5 and 6 year old youth. These standards are established to provide youth with guidelines of the more important aspects of developing showmanship skills.

Showmanship Skills to Develop

  1. Lead and control animal from the animal's left side.
  2. Learn to follow directions from the ring steward and/or judge.
  3. Keep good eye contact with the judge.
  4. Attempt to set the animal up in the proper position.
  5. Wear appropriate show ring attire.
  6. Have animal clean and presentable.
  7. Display good sportsmanship and polite conduct.
  8. Answer age-appropriate questions.

Description of Group Ribbon Colors

Purple Far exceeds established showmanship standards
Blue Exceeds established showmanship standards
Red Meets established showmanship standards
White Does not meet established showmanship standards

Special acknowledgment is extended to the following individuals for their valuable contribution to the development of this educational material. Frank Bolick, Watauga County; J.D. Brooks, Buncombe County; Kathy Bunton, Alexander County; Walter Earle, Wilson County; Michael Hobbs, Buncombe County; Brinton Hopkins, Ph.D., Department of Animal Science; Ronald Hughes, Johnston County; Kenneth Vaughn, Iredell County.

Reviewed by: Darwin G. Braund, Ph.D., Jeannette A. Moore, Ph.D., Department of Animal Science and Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, Ph.D., Department of Crop Science, North Carolina State University.

Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
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Last modified Monday, 10-Feb-2003 10:06:14 EST
Lori McBryde, Department of Animal Science.