First Place:  4

Entry number: 1535

Exhibitor: EmsoffLambs

State: CA

Sheep name/number: Emsoff #519

Breed: Hampshire X

Website: www.emsofflivestockcompany.com

I believe the top pair 4 and 3 both are excellent prospects, however, 4 has the advantage in depth of twist/thickness and wins the class. This moderate framed lamb on the profile is level and balanced. The medium length neck is squarely placed, has proper depth of front compared to rear flank/hip/loin junction. Stands squarely on feet and legs. From the rear 4 is the thickest prospect in the class, being wide over both the rack and loin, full round ribbed, full flank, deep twisted and explosive leg. Just a good solid prospect.

Second Place:  3

Entry number: 1531

Exhibitor: 2TLivestock

State: NE

Sheep name/number: Decoy Boy

Breed: Suffolk x Hamp

The prettiest profiling lamb is the longest sided lamb 3. The long neck is squarely placed. Clean at the points, tucked chest floor, long level spine with a long level hip, round ribbed, full flank. From the rear 3 is the second widest lamb in the class over the rack and the loin. He is square in the pins, however, does not have the twist depth of the class winner and not as much muscle in the lower third. This lamb is an outstanding prospect that can develop into a very competitive lamb.

Third Place:  1

Entry number: 1493

The bottom pair 1 and 2 are entirely different in type, but, I see more potential in the thin lamb 1 so he will place third. From the profile 1 is cleaner through the shoulder than 2. The long neck is squarely placed. The shoulder is clean and smooth at the points. The top line is fairly level although slopes some at the hip. There is evidence of rib fullness, however, I would prefer more bone development. From the rear I would appreciate more width over the rack and loin, however, the lamb appears wide pinned, therefore, as it develops it will improve over both of these areas. The lamb appears to be in a green thin condition but shows evidence of developing a full leg. Fed properly 1 can develop into a good prospect.

Fourth Place:  2

Entry number: 1522

The way 2 is set up this ewe lamb appears down fronted on the profile, however, I seriously doubt that it is. The moderate length neck appears slightly lower set on the shoulder. The top is level, however, there is a slight dip behind the shoulder and there is a slight slope off the hip. From the rear she appears wide pinned and I see evidence of twist depth and lower third muscle. Because this lamb stands wide based I’m sure she will be wide over the top and the loin when she matures. Put in the hands of a good feeder with showmanship skills she can be competitive, however, today she stands fourth.

Again, I placed the class 4-3-1-2 cuts of 1-5-1. Let the discussion begin. OG