VSBA is again offering card grading sheep judging. Each sheep is judged according to its breed standard. Judging takes place while the sheep are in pens. Participants are given a blue, red, yellow or white card according to the sheep’s rating. Blue cards are given to sheep that most closely represent the breed standard. Red and yellow cards are for sheep that have some defect according to the standard and white cards are for sheep that have many characteristics that do not fit the breed standard. Card grading will take place on Saturday at noon. The sheep must be in their pens by 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning with a sign on the pen identifying the owner, breed, age and class of sheep.

The card grading style of judging is widely used in Great Britain and New Zealand. It insures that each sheep will be evaluated solely for its breed and not compared to other breeds that may be more popular and familiar. This is a great way for children to learn about breed standards and how their sheep compare. After the initial judging, the blue-carded sheep will be brought into the ring to be evaluated for a first, second, and third place in each class. These first place finishers will be judged for a best in show.

Card Grading Classes: Participants are allowed one sheep from each of the three classes.

Ewe lamb - born after October 1, 2002. Ram lamb - born after October 1, 2002.

Yearling ewe - born between October 1, 2001 and October 1, 2002.

Following the card grading judging, a standard Leadline Show will be held. Leadline sheep must also be shown in the Card Graded Show. Children are to model an outfit made from wool while leading a well-behaved sheep. Extra points are given for outfits made by the participants and for articles that are hand knitted, felted or woven or made from hand spun yarn.

After the leadline class we will have a costume class. Shepherds and sheep are to be dressed up in costume depicting a scene (historical, ethnic, custom, joke, beauty, etc.).

Leadline and Costume description: Please use a separate 4x6 card for a two-minute commentary that describes the participant and the outfit. Commentary is to be turned in by noon on October 4th.

Youth Show participants must be 18 years of age or younger on October 1, 2003.

Sheep brought on Saturday morning will be checked by a veterinarian at the festival. All sheep must have current rabies vaccination certificates and Federal Scrapie tag. Registration forms must be received by Donna Perrin by September 26, 2003. Late entries will not receive a T-shirt.

Sheep may leave the festival at 3:30 PM on Sunday. Awards will be distributed at this time.

Judges: Duncan McQuaid, Joe Haddock, Donna Perrin, and Shelagh Smith

Show Superintendent: Donna Perrin

1637 Creek Rd.

Middlebury, VT 05753

(802) 388-9276