OREGON FLOCK AND FIBER FESTIVAL

The 2010 festival is over, our sheep are back on the farm, and we're sort of unloaded. For sure, I've had a chance to breathe and have begun to reflect a bit on the week-end. We showed 8 animals and displayed a humble variety of wool products at our little farm booth. We had some significant success in the show ring and made a few sales of fleeces and yarns. More importantly we had a chance to visit with some old and new friends. We also "talked sheep" with who I'd call the general public. Some of this "public" can be very well informed while others have never been exposed to Jacob sheep or wool processing. We loved talking to both! What a great opportunity this event provides for farm and city to come together. One of my frustrations has been how few of our urban neighbors come to visit the farm even though I've tried to keep the farm gate wide open. This festival finally allowed us to tell our story. We saw many reach such a valuable awareness as they listened to our story while holding a batt of wool in one hand and touching the very animal the wool came from with the other hand.

Here's a partial list of our awards from the show ring:

1st place Jacob ram yearling - "David"
1st place Jacob ewe lamb - "Sara Beth"
1st place Jacob ewe yearling - "Elaine"
2nd place Jacob ewe yearling - "Lady Anne"
1st place Jacob young flock
Champion Jacob ewe - "Sara Beth"
Reserve Grand Champion ewe, Classic Sheep Show - "Sara Beth"
Best Jacob Fleece - "Sara Beth"

I think the award for the best fleece was the most meaningful to us since our prime objective is to produce quality fleece for handspinners. It was nice to have our labors recognized in this manner. Last year "Lady Anne" was the Grand Champion ewe of the Classic Sheep Show and since then has developed quite an attitude. I guess we can look forward to the same from "Sara Beth", especially once both are back in the pasture and can compare notes.