Market Lamb

Show / Contest Coordinator

Ty Springer, 352-804-8201

More about the Market Lamb Contest

Sheep are a unique animal with a rich past and gentle demeanor. For 10,000 years, they have provided humanity with food, clothing, and shelter. The care of sheep has often been delegated to the younger generation, and that tradition continues at the Southeastern Youth Fair. Unlike the larger livestock projects that often need parental and teacher supervision with the project animal, the market lambs are more easily managed completely by the exhibitors themselves. The smaller size of this livestock project does not negate the need for training. Although generally gentle in nature, lambs are easily frightened and require a big dose of patient handling to prepare for the show ring. The goal of each exhibitor is to present to the judge a lamb that is well-balanced and carries good muscling and thickness.Therefore, exercise becomes a key to the training process and many students walk their lambs over a mile each day. In order to give the judge the best look at the balance of their individual lamb, the exhibitors work hard to train their lambs to stand square and to maintain that position for up to ten minutes. Although it is not a requirement, many handlers become so attuned with their lambs that they are able to show with no halter whatsoever. The exhibitors must also complete a record book detailing the work they have done on this project in order to compete with their animal. The Grand and Reserve Champions in the Market Show receive an added bonus in this project: a blanket, made from the wool taken from the sheep shearing in late January, is awarded to these winners as a special reminder of their achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my child eligible? Any student older than 8 years of age and up, who attends the mandatory meeting, is a member of a 4H club or FFA chapter, and either lives in or goes to school in Marion County, and pays entry fee may enter this contest.

How much does it cost? $15 entry fee.

What’s the 2020 market price for our record books? 2020 SEYF MARKET PRICE FOR LAMBS = $1.50

Rules

Market Lamb Rules

2020 Winners

Grand Champion – Tyler Getzlaff, West Port High FFA

Reserve Grand Champion – Sophia Vives, Belleview Bald Eagles 4H

Edsel Rowan Award –Eliana Giannola, Stars & Stripes 4H

Premier Exhibitor – Erica Estrada, Dunnellon MS FFA

Class 1 – Sophia Vives, Belleview Bald Eagles 4H

Class 2 – Aniyah Kennedy, Gator Tracks 4H

Class 3 –Ft. McCoy School FFA Chapter

Class 4 – Tyler Getzlaff, West Port High FFA

Class 5 – Priscilla Barragon, Belleview HS FFA

Class 6 – Caleb Smith, Belleview Bald Eagles 4H

Class 7 – Ashley Estrada, Dunnellon Middle FFA

Class 8 – Casey Oliver, Belleveiw Bald Eagles 4H

Record Book

Junior – Carly McLain, Belleview Bald Eagles 4H

Intermediate – Breana Lopez, Stars & Stripes 4H

Senior – Sophia Vives, Belleview Bald Eagles 4H

Showmanship

Junior – Reagan Barlow, Ocklawaha Lil Bits 4H

Intermediate – Ashley Estrada, Dunnellon MS FFA

Senior – Julia Bender, West Port High FFA

Skill-A-Thon

Junior – Reagan Barlow, Ocklawaha Lil’ Bits 4H

Intermediate – Madison Conner, Dunnellon MS FFA

Senior – Emily DiMichele, Belleview HS FFA

Resources

Market Lamb Entry Form only available at Mandatory Meeting

2020 SEYF MARKET PRICE FOR LAMBS = $1.50

Animal Health Information for Record Books

Market Lamb Buyer List

Nutrition Skillathon Study Guide

Charitable Sale Agreement

Scholarships / Special Awards

Edsel Rowan Award

The Edsel Rowan Trophy, which has been presented at the Lamb Show since its inception in 1987, will again be presented by the Ocala/Marion Country Chamber of commerce to the Market Lamb Exhibitor whose Iamb has achieved the highest weight gain. This trophy was named in honor of long time Marion County Extension Agent, Edsel Rowan. Mr. Rowan’s career as an agent was filled with long hours, hard work, and a genuine desire to help the people of Marion County. He was known statewide for his expertise in the production of important Florida crops. He is credited for ensuring the establishment of the Thoroughbred Horse industry in Marion Country, his knowledge and assistance in developing pasture grasses suitable for horses in Florida’s climate. Mr. Rowan received many awards for his remarkable dedication to serving the agricultural industries in Florida. However, through all the years, his first love was the youth of Marion County. He loved to watch kids achieve and be recognized for their work. Upon his retirement in 1982, the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion and the Agricultural Center Complex was renamed the Rowan Agricultural Complex in honor of his 31 plus years of dedicated service.

Sponsorship Opportunities

You Can Help

SEYF is a non-profit, and is reliant on help from the community in the form of donations of money, services and time. Click below to get involved and help us help the youth of Marion County.

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