First Place:  2

Entry number: 1324

Exhibitor: Dustydivider

State: CA

Sheep name/number: Kr2014

Breed: Hamp X

I started with the product-oriented wether. He's the longest bodied lamb with a wide base and should rail the leanest carcass.

Second Place:  3

Entry number: 1583

Exhibitor: Heresheep

State: CA

Sheep name/number: Three Sisters Sheep 939

Breed: Hamp X

Website: www.threesisterssheep.com

I'll concede the middle pair of lambs offer the trendier, more attractive packages; however, this is a feeder class, which is why neither wins the class. The middle pair was very competitive in my mind: both are trendy, well balanced, stout made wethers. I ultimately chose 3 over 4 because he is longer bodied with a greater volume of muscle over the topside of his skeleton.

Third Place:  4

Entry number: 1585
Exhibitor: EmsoffLambs
State: CA
Sheep name/number: Emsoff #603
Breed: Hampshire X
Website: www.emsofflivestockcompany.com

I'll admit, 4 stands with more genuine width at the ground; however, it's his shorter body (and accordingly less overall volume of muscle) along with a rougher hip-loin junction that loses him the pair.

Fourth Place:  1

Entry number: 1578

Breed: Shetland X

1 concludes the class because he's the poorest balanced, lightest muscled of the class.