First Place:  3

Entry number: 1102

Exhibitor: Cullen

State: TX

Sheep name/number: Gillis

Breed: Medium wool

3 is placed first in the class because of its superior structural correctness, style, balance, and muscle type and shape when compared to the other lambs in the class. The extended neck is properly placed. The shoulder has the correct depth and the points blend in tightly with the top of the shoulder. The llength of side suggest length in both the rack, loin, and hip. 3 is correct in rib shape and has proper fullness of rear flank.

From the rear I would like to see added width over both the rack and loin, however, this will improve as the lamb matures. Although 3 is not the deepest lamb in the twist it has adequate depth for this frame and body type lamb and is correct in muscle shape, type, and mass.

Because of its body type, 3, when fed to maturity, will harvest the most desirable carcass of any lamb in the class. This lamb should be very competitive in class at any level of competition.

Second Place:  1

Entry number: 1075

Exhibitor: Sheepsnpygs

State: OH

Sheep name/number: Teddy

Breed: Hampshire X

I believe 1 is an easy placing for second in the class. This medium framed power type lamb is balanced and is smooth fronted for a lamb of this body type. He has the rib shape and flank fullness accepted today. When viewed from the rear I see width over the rack and loin, however, I believe this lamb can easily add too much condition,especially when fed to a heavier weight because it shows evidence of this, especially around the dock and flatness at the bottom of the twist. 1 also slopes from hooks to pins and this will become more evident with maturity and added weight. From a show lamb perspective, a good exercise program/track dog will help this lamb tremendously.

Third Place:  4

Entry number: 1109

The bottom pair, 2 and 4, are completely opposite in body type and both have structural flaws, however, the ewe lamb, 4 has the fewest and will place third in the class. From the profile I like the extended neck and front, smoothness at the points and tucked chest. She appears flat and wide over the rack, but, is too low at the loin edge, ties in rough at the hip/loin juncture and is too short in her hip that slopes toward the dock.

From the rear 4 does show depth of twist and muscle in the lower third and is correct in feet and leg placement.

Fourth Place:  2

Entry number: 1079

Exhibitor: Westtxsheep

State: TX

Sheep name/number: Moss

Breed: Cross

2 places fourth in the class because of its small frame, short side, and heavy front. From the rear I will grant 2 is wide over the rack and loin, deep in the twist and has ample muscle in the lower third. Again, because of the small frame and muscle type this lamb could easily have a problem of too much finish when fed to a heavier weight.

Again, I placed the class 3-4-1-2 with cuts of 3-2-2. Discussion is both appreciated and welcomed. OG