2017 YCP winner Charles Boyle

In April 2017, youth farmer Charles O’Boyle wrote and submitted an essay for the Youth Conservationist Program. This program awards Heritage Breeds Yearling Ewe Lambs to 4-H members throughout the country. The 4-H members selected to receive a yearling ewe lamb, write essays on what the heritage breeds mean and how they can help preserve … Continue reading 2017 YCP winner Charles Boyle

2018 Youth Conservation Program

BLU supports this program, and has secured a donation of a registered BFL ewe for this year's event. Youth interested in applying for the 2018 Youth Conservationist Program    * Must be between 9 and 18 years old.   *Submit an application postmarked by April 1, 2018 that includes:   *An essay which introduces you and your experience with animals. Your essay should explain your interest in sheep and  answer the question: “Why I would like to help preserve a heritage breed of sheep.” If for any reason the animal will not  be kept at your own home, please explain in detail where it will reside and what exactly your responsibilities will be.   *The applicant should indicate if they wish to be considered for a particular breed or for any of the breeds available.   *Each applicant must include a letter of recommendation from their 4?H advisor, FFA advisor, veterinarian, teacher or  clergy.   *The total application/essay should be no more than 2 pages in length.   *The application must include address, phone and if available, email address. Interested young people should contact  Elaine for an updated list of breeds available, then submit their letter of application/essay to: Elaine Ashcraft, 46118 CR  58 Coshocton, OH 43812   ALL ESSAYS MUST BE MAILED. EMAILED ESSAYS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!   *Requirements if selected:   *Must be present to receive the ewe at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival on Sunday,  May 6, 2018.   *Must exhibit the ewe at least twice in 2018 at: 1) a county fair or local sheep show and 2) the State Fair in the state  where the recipient lives.   *Must breed the ewe to a registered ram (of her breed) in the fall of 2018, should consult the donor breeder for their  recommendations.   *Must either use the ewe’s fleece to personally make a wool item or sell the fleece to a spinner, felter or weaver.   *Must submit an article, the following Feb/Mar to their local newspaper covering their year and including information  concerning the next year’s YCP program.   *Must submit a scrapbook to the Donor Breeder by April 30, 2018 and provide a scrapbook to be used at the Maryland  Festival which is then given back to the youth.   Any questions please contact Elaine Ashcraft 46118 CR 58 Coshocton, Ohio 43812   By phone at (740) 622?1573 or by email at tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com  (please note the underscore between “tankewe”  and “cr58”)  Donors select the recipients from the essays submitted by the youth. 

Board meeting notes from 1-17-18 meeting

The BLU board met for its organizational teleconference meeting on January 17th at 6PM EST. All board members were in attendance, including newly elected VP Meredith Myers-Null of MD as well as board members Katie Sullivan of VT and Shellie Ross of FL. President Margaret VanCamp welcomed them to the board, and also recognized outgoing … Continue reading Board meeting notes from 1-17-18 meeting

Congratulations Charlie!

Our newest BLU youth member, Charlie O'Boyle, with his reserve champion ewe at the Allegany county fair in Maryland. Charlie was the winner of the YCP program yearling ewe, donated by Meredith Myers-Null during the recent Maryland Sheep & Wool festival. Charlie's brother, William, is also a YCP recipient, having been awarded his yearling ewe … Continue reading Congratulations Charlie!

Attention Youth Showmen!

**PRESS RELEASE** Northeast Youth Sheep Show July 14 – 17, 2016 The 32nd annual Northeast Youth Sheep Show (NEYSS) will be held July 14th-17th at the Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds in West Springfield, MA. The NEYSS is the premier all-breed junior sheep show in the northeast, attracting over 200 youth exhibitors showing close to 800 … Continue reading Attention Youth Showmen!

2016 Youth Conservation Program

Youth ages 9-18 can help preserve a heritage breed of sheep through the 2016 Youth Conservationist Program. Application deadline is April 1, 2016. I yearling BFL ewe has been donated by Pitchfork Ranch/Somerhill Farm. She is entered in the BFL National show, and so is both top quality, and fitted for show. * Must be … Continue reading 2016 Youth Conservation Program