Fourth Annual Youth Conservationist Sheep Award Program

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Fourth Annual Youth Conservationist Sheep Award Program

Livestock Update, February 2001

Contributed by Mark Wahlberg, Extension Animal Scientist, 4-H Livestock, VA Tech

A group of sheep breeders in the mid-Atlantic region who are very supportive of youth sheep programs make this program available annually. This announcement was provided by this group of breeders and is reprinted for your information.

Virginia 4H and FFA members are invited to apply for these awards. Please share this information with appropriate youth and with volunteer leaders working with 4H sheep members.

Old Gjerpen Farm is pleased to announce the Fourth Annual Youth Conservationist Program (YCP). Breeds participating in the YCP include: Karakul, Coopworth, Leicester Longwool, Scottish Blackface, Tunis, Cotswold, Jacob and Lincoln.

Objectives: The purpose in giving a lamb to an aspiring shepherd is to create an awareness of the importance of preserving heritage breeds and to help others to:

Experience first-hand the many unique values of heritage breeds of sheep.
Learn about the various uses of wool and / or effective marketing of fleeces.
Experience caring for and exhibiting a wool breed of sheep.
Learn about the life cycle of sheep.

Applicant Requirements: Youth applicants must meet the following requirements.

Be between 12 and 18 years old.
If selected, be present to receive the lamb at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival (MS&WF) on May 6, 2001.
Agree to exhibit the lamb at least twice in 2001 at: 1) A county fair or local sheep show; and, 2) The state fair in the state where the recipient lives.
Agree to breed the lamb to a registered ram in the fall of 2001.
Agree to either use the lamb's first fleece to personally make a woolen item or sell the fleece to a spinner, felter or weaver.
Submit a one to two-page typed project report, with pictures, to the donor breeder by April 30, 2002.

Schedule for YCP 2001:

Applications from interested youth must be mailed by April 2, 2001, to Old Gjerpen Farm, 10042 Cedar Spring Ln., Culpeper, VA 22701. Applications must include home phone number (and an e-mail address if available) and:
- - Describe yourself and your experience with animals;
- - Explain your interest in sheep; and,
- - Answer the question: "Why I would like to help preserve a heritage breed?"

The applicant should indicate if they wish to be considered for a particular breed or any of the eight participating breeds.

Applicants selected to receive a lamb will be notified of their selection by April 22.
Lamb presentation at the MS&WF (Howard County Fair Grounds, MD) on May 6, to applicants (accompanied by a parent).

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