First Place:  2

Entry number: 1453

I started the class with 2, the moderate plus framed ewe lamb that commanded my attention at first glance. On the profile she is the longest sided ewe of the class. I still believe that length is important. She has the longest neck of the class and I still think that is important because it correlates with length of rack and hindsaddle. 2 has a long level topline, is extremely well balanced that is both clean at the points and through the shoulder and has a long level hip making her the longer patterned lamb of the class.

From the rear she is both wide and flat over the rack, the loin, has a wide pin set, depth of twist and muscle through the lower third extending through the stifle. She is round ribbed showing capacity through the rib and rear flank. She is just a really complete ewe prospect that should be a functional ewe if pared correct with the ram that complements her should produce highly marketable lambs that should be able to compete in both the show ring and have a carcass with a desirable yield grade.

Second Place:  4

Entry number: 1456

Exhibitor: EmsoffLambs

State: CA

Sheep name/number: Emsoff #506

Breed: Hampshire X

Website: www.emsofflivestockcompany.com

In placing 4 second I realize that several will start the class with this ewe lamb because she exhibits more power than any of the four, however, to me for her to move into the first hole she would have to be longer sided. Profile. This moderate framed ewe is moderate in length of side from flank to flank. She is balanced. Has a level hip, clean front, is round ribbed with great rib shape.

From the rear she has a wide flat rack that indicates massive muscled top, wide flat loin with depth of loin edge, she has a massive leg, depth of twist, is square docked and can move a lot of flocks forward. I realize lambs of this type are the current rage and I agree for the most part, just be careful and not get them too compact and short because that can lead to a new set of problems. JMO.

Third Place:  1

Entry number: 1442

1 falls into the third slot. This moderate framed ewe lamb looks great on the profile. She has a slightly longer profile than 4. Her neck is slightly longer and is correctly placed as all are in the class. Her top line has moderate plus length, and she has a long level hip and she is balanced, clean at the points, tight chested, round ribbed and full flank.

From the rear she looks longer spined than from the profile. She has moderate width over her flat rack and she does get progressively wider as you travel down her rack into the loin area. She has moderate depth of twist, is square through the pins and she stands on sound feet and legs. She is a good overall prospect that paired with correct ram could produce lambs that will be competitive in both the show ring and rail.

Fourth Place:  3

Entry number: 1458

3 rounds out the final placing of the class. She is probably the youngest of the four. On the profile her neck length indicates moderate plus frame. She is balanced, is clean fronted and at the points and she presents a level top line.

From the rear she shows to have massive bone standing on sound feet, is deep in her twist, square docked. She does appear to be a tad plainer in her overall appearance compared to the other three ewe lambs in the class, however, I do see her becoming a viable part of the breeder's overall program.

Again I placed the class 2-4-1-3 with cuts of 2-1-2. Comments are welcomed an appreciated. OG