By Brad Johnson
For the Salisbury Post
Rowan County sheep exhibitors had a great weekend at the North Carolina Mountain State Fair, which is conducted at the Western North Carolina Ag Center, Fletcher.
Beverly Hampton, Mount Ulla, exhibited the Grand Champion in the Junior Market Lamb Show, while McKenzie “Bubba” McLaughlin, Mooresville, exhibited the Supreme Champion Ewe in the Junior Meat Breed Ewe Show.
McLaughlin’s Supreme Champion Ewe had previously received Grand Champion Commercial Ewe honors; he also exhibited the Grand Champion Suffolk Ewe.
The Hampton and McLaughlin families had several other market lamb and breeding ewe class winners throughout the junior show. Dr. Travis Burke, Cooperative Extension director of Pasquotank County, served as the judge.
In the Open Meat Breed Sheep Show, Black Sheep Club Lambs, Cleveland, exhibited the Supreme Champion Ram, which had previously been named Grand Champion Commercial Ram. Black Sheep Club Lambs also exhibited the Reserve Supreme Champion Ewe, which was also the Grand Champion Commercial Ewe. Brent Jennings, N.C. State University animal science youth livestock specialist, was the judge.
Black Sheep Club Lambs is a unique partnership of Jason and Brittany Chester of Mount Ulla; David Correll and Family of Cleveland; Brad Johnson of Cleveland; and West Rowan High School FFA.
The combined flocks serve as a teaching flock for Rowan County Cooperative Extension and the West Rowan High School agriculture program. The flock provides students, youth and adults hands-on experience in all areas of livestock production.
Numerous livestock judging teams have been hosted by the Black Sheep Club Lamb flock, and the flock is used by many children to learn and practice showmanship skills.
Look for many of these sheep at the Rowan County Fair, which runs through Saturday. The quality and depth of the sheep at the Rowan County Fair has earned the fair a reputation as arguably the most competitive county fair in North Carolina.
The Junior Breeding Ewe Show is tonight at 6:15, followed by the Junior Meat Goat Show. The Junior Market Lamb Show and Sale is Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Brad Johnson is an Agriculture Agent with responsibilities for dairy and livestock with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Rowan County. For more information, call 704-216-8970 or visit online: http:rowan.ces.ncsu.edu.