First Place:  3

Entry number: 1485

Exhibitor: lillianannaewe

State: FL

Sheep name/number: Emerald

Breed: Suffolk X

I’m starting the class with 3 the most muscular ewe of the class that carries the most desirable traits of any ewe in the class. On the profile she is balanced. She has a very level top line. Her neck sits on top of her shoulder. She is clean at the points, in the brisket area. she is correct in rib design, full in rear flank, long level hip. I would like to see less depth of shoulder, elevate her chest floor.

From the rear this medium cross yearling ewe exceeds the class in width and levelness over the rack and loin. she also exceeds the class in loin depth, depth of twist,muscle through the lower third. She appears to break in her rear pasterns slightly, however, I believe this is due to standing on the trimming stand. Breed her to a ram that can raise her offspring in the chest floor and she can be a very productive ewe producing competitive lambs.

Second Place:  2

Entry number: 1395

Exhibitor: texas girl

State: TX

Sheep name/number: Dixie

Breed: Southdown

I believe the Down appearing ewe follows the pattern of the class winning ewe more than the other two ewes so she will place second in the class. From the profile the long neck is squarely placed. The top line is long and level except for a slight slope at the dock. This ewe is balanced. She appears clean at the points, has correct depth of shoulder,great rib shape and flank fullness, sound in her feet and legs.

From the rear she is flat and wide over the rack, the loin for her breed. she has good depth of twist,muscular leg. Bred to a ram that will level out the hip she can be a productive member for her breed.

Third Place:  4

Entry number: 1525
Exhibitor: EmsoffLambs
State: CA
Sheep name/number: Emsoff #463
Breed: Hampshire
Website: www.emsofflivestockcompany.com

In placing 4 third I would like to point out she profiles very good. I would expect a longer neck on a moderate plus frame, however, it is squarely placed. She has a long level top line including a long level hip. She is extremely clean at the points, brisket area. I would like to see less shoulder depth. She good rib shape, however, I would like to see more rear flank fullness. I’m definitely not a fan of wool above the hock and knee and think it is a trend that needs to stop because when I see it I think “what are they trying to cover up” and to me she is too frail in her bone/skeletal makeup and does not carry enough lower leg muscle through the stifle.

From the rear she is not as wide over the rack, especially behind the shoulder as I would like to see in a brood ewe, however, she appears wide over her loin. I would like to add width through the pins, add muscle through the center of her leg and extend this muscle downward toward the hock. Because of her beautiful profile I would breed her to a ram that would add bone and muscle mass and then she can and will produce productive lambs.

Fourth Place:  1

Entry number: 1391

I see 1 falling into the fourth slot as to me she the less productive ewe in the class. On the profile she is long and level in her top line. Her neck placement is correct. She is correct . She is clean at the points. She is too fine boned. She is “plainer” in her overall appearance of any ewe in the class. Her rib shape is good and she shows flank fullness. From the rear she appears wide and level over her rack and loin. She needs more depth of twist and more lower stifle/leg muscle. She can be productive if matched to a ram strong in areas of her weakness.

Again, I placed the class 3-2-4-1 cuts of 4-2-2 Let the discussion begin. Gail