From left to right, Judge Pat Ariaz (CA), Robina Koenig with the ram (Tumble Creek Farm, OR), Joanie Livermore with a ewe (Double J, OR [Wensleydales and English Leicesters], Sherry Carlson with a ewe (Carlson Farm, CA [Wensleydales]). Photo by Kelly Wilder (CA). This young flock took first place in lot and was among the final three young flocks in the show competing for the Black Sheep Cup.

Report from Robina Koenig

Black Sheep Gathering 2013 was judged by Pat Ariaz, CA, and attended by five farms with three others represented. The missing regulars, Jared Lloyd (CO), Judy Colvin (MT), Jeff and Patricia Seldomridge (WA) and Sue Gustafson (CA) were very much missed. This show is the highlight for me to visit with all my ‘sheep’ friends. It was good to see all of you!

The weather was rainy as we set up on Thursday and again as we packed up on Sunday afternoon, but Friday and Saturday were beautiful. The traditional potluck was warm and sunny with great lamb served and good company to visit with. The potluck follows the grand finale with Best Sheep of Show selected from the Champion Ram and Ewe of each lot and presented with the Glen Eidman Memorial Trophy, followed by the Best Young Flock of Show and receiving the Black Sheep Cup donated by the Black Sheep Newsletter. The Bluefaced Leicester was well represented in both.

BLU had a breed display booth set up and shared with folks the joys of BFL ownership and their wonderful fiber. I had coloring pages available that Kris Barndt designed, the BLU Scorecard and Breed Standard brochures were available, plus the locker hooked logo done by Margaret vanCamp was hanging for all to see. Old and new friends from across the country [Patricia Keeley-Seldomridge (WA)] and Canada stopped by (a wonderful surprise to see James and Lori Nibourg and a big ‘Thank You’ for the help showing), plus a gentleman from Yorkshire who had been to my family’s hometown of Richmond and had seen beautiful Blues on the dales.

I am looking forward to BSG next year and don’t forget to put August 2014 on your calendars for the next National Show in Michigan.