ERN is in Island County, so as such, our "home" fair will be the Island County Fair. For the second year, we entered sheep in the Open class show. It is a very small fair, and the Superintendent has flexibility in what classes are offered. Another Gotland breeder, Joanne Martinis, and I, offered to bring two classes worth of % Gotlands. We had a class of white Gotlands and a class of colored (grey) Gotlands. It was a lot of fun. The judge, Linda Pfeiffer, studied the GSBANA standard ahead of time, and did a great job of judging and was informative in reasons for her placements. She understood the different characteristics brought in by the Foundation breeds and the importance of selecting characteristics from both the longwool side and the Northern Shorttail side in our "final" product.
The top awards were split between Joanne and I. My ewes won Grand Champion white - Chamois - and Reserve Ch. white - Rugby - Grand Champion colored - Daisy - and Reserve Champion colored - Chloe. Joanne's rams won Grand Champion white, Reserve Champion white and Grand Champion colored and Reserve Champion colored. (sorry! I missed their names)
The photo below shows Rugby in her winning pose.
...and the white ram lamb class.
I have more news... but it will have to wait for another blog post. :-)
- Franna
4 comments:
Congratulations. It sounds like you had a nice showing and fair experience. Now I am anxiously awaiting the other news.
Hi Franna,
I don't know much about Gottlands (at all!), but your little white sheep looks most like my little white Finn ewe.
I google mapped where Oak Harbor, Washington and sighed. It renewed my interest in retiring in WA. It sounds like there are some great fiber folks there.
Gail Von Bargen at LittleRedOak farm in MN.
Sheesh Franna !!! How long are you going to keep poor Donna waiting??? :)
Hi, Franna! What percentage are the Gotlands now? I thought of you when I was in NZ, but never got near the Eldridges this last trip. Maybe next time.
Well done! Good onya, mate!
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