First Place:  3

Entry number: 1394

Exhibitor: Earl

State: OK

Breed: Hampshire

In starting the class with 3 I’m starting with the most complete lamb of the class. This moderate framed lamb brings the most power to the table of the four. He is structurally correct, balanced. His moderate length neck is squarely placed on top of the shoulder. He is clean at the points and has a slight tuck to the chest floor. He is level in his top line, has proper spring of rib and shows fullness in the rear flank.

From the rear he is the widest over the rack and loin of the four. He is wide and square at the pins, the dock, and deepest in the twist with the most muscle in the lower leg of the four. He is correct on his feet and legs and he wins this class with ease. He’s just a solid prospect that should hang a superior carcass when fed to slaughter weight.

Second Place:  2

Entry number: 1385

Exhibitor: lilliannaewe

State: FL

Sheep name/number: 28279

Breed: Suffolk X

Things tighten up a bit in the middle pair, 2 and 4, however, I believe 2 will hang a more desirable carcass than 4 so this long sided lamb will place second. On the profile I grant this ewe lamb may be a little low in neck placement, however, she is extremely long from flank to flank and has a long level hip. I’m assuming she is clean at the points and she has a slightly elevated chest floor. This moderate plus framed lamb stands correct on moderate boned feet and legs. She does appear to slope a little over the loin, however, with maturity this should not be a problem.

From the rear 2 appears to be wide and flat over the rack and loin, however, her loin edge is a little low, but this should improve with maturity. She shows width at the pins, is deep in her twist and has muscle through the lower third. She is a solid prospect.

Third Place:  4

Entry number: 1419

In placing 4 third and over 1 I realize 1 may be a little longer sided, however, the hamp cross ewe lamb shows more overall quality. The long neck is squarely placed, she is clean at the points, will have rib shape with maturity and shows fullness of rear flank and is correct on feet and legs. I would like to see more length of side and I would like to raise the dock to level out the hip. She appears to have width over the rack, the loin, and is square at the dock with moderate depth of twist. This moderate framed ewe lamb should hang a desirable carcass when fed to slaughter weight.

Fourth Place:  1

Entry number: 1382

In placing 1 fourth in the class I find this wether lamb to be the least desirable feeder lamb of the four. From the profile I do grant the long neck is squarely placed and appears to be clean at the points, however, also appears to have an extended breast plate. I would like to level the hip. From the rear 1 is the narrowest over the rack and loin of the four and this will not improve with age and maturity. From the rear he does appear to show width of leg set, however, he is also the lightest muscled lamb of the class appears to lack twist depth and lacks muscle in the lower third.

Again, I placed the class 3-2-4-1 with cuts of 5-2-2. Let the discussion begin. Also, I hope each of you and your family has a great Thanksgiving. OG