Sheep Rules & Classes

Department 49: Sheep

Jump to Section:

• Shepherd Award
• Dedication
• Rules and Regulations
• Exhibition requirements for sheep
• Section A: Open Breed Classes
• Definitions
• Youth Sheep and Meat Goat Judging Contest
• Section B: Open Lamb Carcass Show
• Section C: Show-Me Lead Line
• Section D: Wool
• 1st Annual Missouri State Fair Lamb BBQ Competition
• Judging Schedules

Superintendent
Leon Busdieker, Hawk Point, MO
Cell: 636-358-5051

• Asst. Superintendent – Ed DeOrnellis
• Asst. Superintendent – Jason Dieckhoff
• Asst. Superintendent – Jenny Bradley
• Asst. Superintendent – Marie Davis
• Asst. Superintendent – Luke Huesemann
• Asst. Superintendent – Ronnie Dains
• Office Manager – Darlene Lewis
• Show Secretary – Stephanie Huesemann
• Campground Supervisor – Steve Yates

Amount offered by Fair in this Section (Est.)………………………..$13,650
Added money………………………………………………………………………$ 1,877
Total amount offered……………………………………………………………$14,527

Shepherd Award

The Missouri State Fair will award an attractive plaque to the shepherd in charge of the most outstanding sheep exhibit. A committee will make inspections to determine the winner. The following points will be considered:

1. Cleanliness, grooming and appearance of exhibits;
2. Handling of feed, equipment, etc., and keeping same out of the alleys;
3. Cooperation, courtesy, and sportsmanship in the exhibit area and show ring.

Dedication

The 2026 Missouri State Fair Sheep Shows are proudly dedicated to the Francis Family, of Paris, Missouri, in recognition of their significant contributions to the Missouri Sheep Industry. Please join us on Monday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sheep Pavilion as we honor them.

Rules and Regulations

1. Exhibitors must comply with the general rules and regulations and animal health requirements for exhibitors in this premium book. Violation of these rules may result in any or all of the following:
   • Withholding or return of payment for the animal or exhibit, premiums and awards.
   • Suspension from future exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Com-mission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission. Suspensions can be for any length of time and may be permanent.
   • Probationary exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time and under such terms and conditions to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
   • Assessment of any other penalty determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
2. When there is only one (1) exhibit in a class, the exhibitor will receive half of the premium money for the placing awarded by the judge.
3. The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commis-sion is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.
4. Sheep must be owned by an individual or previous existing firm at least 30 days prior to the opening date of the Fair. All exhibitors, includ-ing Junior Exhibitors, must present certificates of registry to the Sheep Superintendent for examination. Certificates must show transfer of ownership to the exhibitor 30 days or more prior to the opening of the fair.
5. All animals, regardless of age, must be recorded in their respective record associations and wear the private ear tag recorded with the association at the time of showing.
6. Each exhibitor will be allowed to enter up to four lambs in a class, whether it is spring ewe lamb, fall ewe lamb, spring ram lamb or fall ram lamb, maximum of 16 total.
7. Maximum of 2 monies in yearling classes per exhibitor. When added money is provided by breed associations for slick sheared classes, then the exhibitor is allowed an additional two (2) monies for slick sheared yearling ewes.
8. All classes entered must be listed on the entry form (including group classes). Only one (1) entry per group class per exhibitor.
9. The age of all Yearlings will be 9/1/2024 to 8/31/2025 as indicated on their registration papers. The age of all Lambs will be as follows: Lambs born September 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025 will be shown in the Fall Lamb Class. Lambs born January 1, 2026 and after will be shown in the Spring Lamb Class.
10. In breeds where 16 head or more are checked into a class on show day, the class will be split. Classes will be divided by the Superintendent.
11. Class splits in the Yearling Ewe/Ram Classes one yearling per exhibi-tor will be shown in each class, the single entries will be divided by random draw. In the Lamb ewe/ram classes, the class will be divided by birthdates.
12. No open sheep to be allowed on the grounds prior to 10 a.m., Sun-day, August 16. All sheep must be in place by 2 p.m., Sunday, August 16. (Any Open Sheep in transit from another Fair will be allowed on the fairgrounds and penned in special holding areas until space is avail-able in the sheep barn by 1:00 p.m.) For special permission to arrive early or late contact the Sheep Superintendent.
13. In the event that only one exhibitor has made entries in any breed by closing date, that breed will be all other meat breed or all other wool breed show.
14. Substitution will be allowed as follows: for registered breeding, an animal for an animal within the breed.
15. No late entries will be accepted. All entries are due by July 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
16. A $6.00 Open breeding sheep per animal entry fee will be charged and $4.00 4-H/FFA Breeding sheep per animal entry fee will be charged. Animals will be assigned to pens by the Superintendent. All pens will be used to maximum for sheep (use of pens for feed, storage, or cots will not be allowed).
17. Feed and Bedding – For information refer to the stalls, feed and bedding provisions in the general rules of this catalog.
18. Drenching will not be allowed except when authorized for health reasons by the State Veterinary.
19. Muzzles will not be allowed on market lambs or breeding animals.
20. Vehicles parked at the Sheep Pavilion without proper vehicle hangtags are subject to towing at owner’s expense. For admission and vehicle fee schedules, see the front of this premium book.
21. Each exhibitor will be expected to keep his/her pens and areas clean.
22. A washing area for sheep will be provided. All exhibitors will be required to wash sheep in the assigned area only.
23. There will be no dogs allowed in the exhibit barns except those entered in a show, police dogs on duty, or those trained to aid a person with disabilities.
24. In the Natural Colored show, if numbers warrant, the individual classes will be divided into Coarse Wool and Fine Wool type. All group classes and the selection of champions will be combined.
25. Some sheep breed associations are suggesting that entries be shown slick shorn. The Missouri State Fair will allow this practice and encour-age the judge not to discriminate against such entries. The Missouri State Fair does not make any requirements for the slick shearing of sheep. Check with your breed association as to their promotion of this activity and their terminology as to time and type of shearing. Be sure to comply with all other rules outlined in Missouri State Fair Rules and Regulations.
26. In the Hampshire Show, if numbers warrant at entry check-in, the individual classes will be divided into “Fitted” and “Slicked”. All group classes and selection of champions will be combined.
27. All Shropshire entries must be SLICK SHORN. Wool may be left below the knees, hocks, on the face and head from the poll forward; the remainder of the body is to be shorn to the skin within 5 days of the show date. Any entry not adhering to these rules will be dismissed from the show ring. A Shropshire exhibitor committee will screen sheep entered in the Shropshire open show for compliance with the SLICK SHORN rule. Shropshire exhibitors are to be present at their pens beginning at 4 p.m. te day before the show for the committee to inspect the sheep. Any entry that is in non-compliance with the rule will receive a warning and given the opportunity for a second inspection. The second inspection to comply with the slick shorn rule will be 12 p.m. the next day.
28. All Katahdin breeding sheep must be registered with their breed as-sociation and have a certificate indicating 100% Katahdin ancestry (including 7/8 animals that have passed coat inspection). No clipping or trimming of animals is allowed for sheep exhibited in the Katahdin breeding shows.
29. In the Suffolk Show, if numbers warrant at entry check-in, the individual classes will be divided into “Fitted” and “Slicked”. All group classes and selection of champions will be combined.
30. The State Fair is holding an All Other Wool Breeds Show as part of the Open Sheep show. The AOWB Show is for registered wool breeds that don’t currently have their own show. Columbia, Corriedale, Rambouillet, Romney, Border Leister, and Lincoln for example would be eligible to show as AOWB. Babydoll Southdowns can be shown in AOWB according to what the Exhibitor breeds them for. Exhibitors choice as to how they are entered. The State Fair is holding an All Other Meat Breeds Show as part of the Open Sheep Show. The AOMB show is for registered meat breeds that don’t currently have their own show. Texel, North Country Cheviot, Boarder Cheviot, Oxford, Dorset Advantage, and St. Croix for example would be eligible to show as AOMB. Babydoll Southdowns can be shown in AOMB according to what the Exhibitor breeds them for. Exhibitors choice as to how they are entered.
31. Horned Dorsets will show with Polled Dorsets.
32. All rules according to the Missouri State Fair will apply. If the entry does not adhere to these rules or the ones stated above, it will be dismissed from the show ring.
33. Premier Exhibitor award is open to Missouri Breeders only, a rosette will be awarded per breed based on total winnings.
34. Dorpers will be divided into two seperate shows “Dorpers” and “White Dorpers”. White Doprer classes will have a W next to the #.
35. For all sheep breeds with 70 head or more entered, Junior and Senior Champion and Reserve Champions will be selected.

Exhibition Requirements for Sheep

1. Intrastate (Missouri orgin, including exotic shep and antelope, mov-ing for exhibition).
   • All sheep (including exotic) regardless of age or sex, must be free of clinical sign of an infectious or contagious disease.
   • All sheep (including exotic) regardless of age or sex, must be individually identi-fied by an official scrapie identification as defined by official identification, or any other means of permanent identification approved by the state veterinarian identifying them to the flock of origin and be listed on a CVI.
   • No tests required.
   • Scabies
     • Sheep from a scabies quarantined area must be dipped or treat-ed by an officially approved method within ten (10) days prior to exhibition.
2. Interstate (Sheep, including exotic sheep and atelope, entering Mis souri for exhibition only).
   • All sheep, regardless of age or sex, must be free of clinical signs of an infectious or contagious disease.
   • All sheep, regardless of age or sex, must be individually identified by an official scrapie identification as defined by official identification, or any other means of permanent identification approved by the state veterinarian identifying them to the flock of origin and be listed on a CVI.
   • All rams six (6) months of age and older must have a negative Brucella ovis test within thirty (30) days of shipment (test date, results, and name of approved lab must be listed on the CVI)
     • Move from a certified Brucella ovis free flock (must be ac companies by the certificate number and date of last test.)
   • Scabies
     • Sheep from a scabies quarantined area must be dipped or treated by and officially approved method withing (10) days prior to exhibition.
     • A permit number must be obtained and recorded on a CVI if the sheep are from a scabies quarantined area.

Section A: Open Breed Classes

Class

• Yearling Ram: Dorset 60, White Dorper 88W, Dorper 88, Hampshire 116, Montadale 144, Shropshire 172, Southdown 200, Suffolk 228, Natural Colored 256, Katahdin 284, Tunis 312, All Other Meat 340, All Other Wool 368
• Senior Ram Lamb: Dorset 61, White Dorper 89W, Dorper 89, Hampshire 117, Montadale 145, Shropshire 173, Southdown 201, Suffolk 229, Natural Colored 257, Katahdin 285, Tunis 313, All Other Meat 341, All Other Wool 369
• Junior Lamb Ram: Dorset 63, White Dorper 91W, Dorper 91, Hampshire 119, Montadale 147, Shropshire 175, Southdown 203, Suffolk 231, Natural Colored 259, Katahdin 287, Tunis 315, All Other Meat 343, All Other Wool 371
• Pair Ram Lambs: Dorset 64, White Dorper 92W, Dorper 92, Hampshire 120, Montadale 148, Shropshire 176, Southdown 204, Suffolk 232, Natural Colored 260, Katahdin 288, Tunis 316, All Other Meat 344, All Other Wool 372
• Champion Ram
• Reserve Champion Ram
• Yearling Ewe: Dorset 67, White Dorper 95W, Dorper 95, Hampshire 123, Montadale 151, Shropshire 179, Southdown 207, Suffolk 235, Natural Colored 263, Katahdin 291, Tunis 319, All Other Meat 347, All Other Wool 375
• Pair Yearling Ewes: Dorset 68, White Dorper 96W, Dorper 96, Hampshire 124, Montadale 152, Shropshire 180, Southdown 208, Suffolk 236, Natural Colored 264, Katahdin 292, Tunis 320, All Other Meat 348, All Other Wool 376
• Senior Ewe Lamb: Dorset 69, White Dorper 97W, Dorper 97, Hampshire 125, Montadale 153, Shropshire 181, Southdown 209, Suffolk 237, Natural Colored 265, Katahdin 293, Tunis 321, All Other Meat 349, All Other Wool 377
• Junior Ewe Lamb: Dorset 71, White Dorper 99W, Dorper 99, Hampshire 127, Montadale 155, Shropshire 183, Southdown 211, Suffolk 239, Natural Colored 267, Katahdin 295, Tunis 323, All Other Meat 351, All Other Wool 379
• Pair Ewe Lambs: Dorset 72, White Dorper 100W, Hampshire Dorper 100, Montadale 128, Montadale 156, Shropshire 184, Southdown 212, Suffolk 240, Natural Colored 268, Katahdin 296, Tunis 324, All Other Meat 352, All Other Wool 380
• Best Pair: Dorset 73, White Dorper 101W, Dorper 101, Hampshire 129, Montadale 157, Shropshire 185, Southdown 213, Suffolk 241, Natural Colored 269, Katahdin 297, Tunis 325, All Other Meat 353, All Other Wool 381
• Champion Ewe
• Reserve Champion Ewe
• Pen of 4 Lambs: Dorset 76, White Dorper 104W, Dorper 104, Hampshire 132, Montadale 160, Shropshire 188, Southdown 216, Suffolk 244, Natural Colored 272, Katahdin 300, Tunis 328, All Other Meat 356, All Other Wool 384
• Breeder Flock: Dorset 77, White Dorper 105W, Dorper 105, Hampshire 133, Montadale 161, Shropshire 189, Southdown 217, Suffolk 245, Natural Colored 273, Katahdin 301, Tunis 329, All Other Meat 357, All Other Wool 385
• Premier Exhibitor Award

NOTE: Classes may be split if numbers permit.

Premiums for all breeds not on exhibition status will be paid on the following scale:

1st place

• Individual Classes: $24
• Pair Classes: $13

2nd place

• Individual Classes: $20
• Pair Classes: $11

3rd place

• Individual Classes: $17
• Pair Classes: $10

4th place

• Individual Classes: $15
• Pair Classes: $9

5th place

• Individual Classes: $13
• Pair Classes: $8

6th place

• Individual Classes: $11
• Pair Classes: $7

7th place

• Individual Classes: $10

8th place

• Individual Classes: $9

9th place

• Individual Classes: $6

Definitions

• Breeder Flock – 1 yearling ram or ram lamb, 2 yearling ewes and 2 ewe lambs owned by exhibitor.
• Best Pair – 1 ram and 1 ewe, any age.
• Pen of 4 Lambs – Both sexes represented, owned by the exhibitor.

Note: September 1 is to be used as the base date for computing ages of sheep in all classes but only those animals that have lamb teeth will be eligible to show in lamb classes.

The “Slick Shorn” Tunis classes are as follows:

• 315S – Slick Shorn Tunis Ram lamb born 9/1/25 and after
• 319S – Slick Shorn Tunis Yearling Ewe lamb born 9/1/24 to 8/31/25
• 323S – Slick Shorn Tunis Ewe lamb born 9/1/24 and after
  Funds provided by the Midwest Tunis Association.

The Missouri Hampshire Horizon Award, Traveling Plaque presented to the high point premier exhibitor who is a first time exhibitor at the Missouri State Fair Hampshire show.

Youth Sheep and Meat Goat Judging Contest

Sunday, August 16 at 3:30 in the Sheep Pavilion

The contest is open to all Missouri youth ages 5-21. There will be four divisions: Novice (ages 5-8), Junior (ages 9-13), Senior (ages 14-18), and Pro (ages 19-21). Registration for the contest will be from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., in the Sheep Pavilion; the contest begins at 3:30 p.m. Entry fee is $5.00 per person and will be paid out to the top teams and individuals.

Each team must be entered by a sponsor (Agricultural Education instructor or University of Missouri Extension Specialist). A team may have three or four members; only the top three individual scores will determine the team total. Individuals may also enter on their own and participate.

The contest will consist of four (4) sheep and meat goat judging classes and two (2) sets of questions for Junior, Senior and Pro Divisions. Novice Division will have no questions requirement. No oral reasons will be taken. Note: The amount of classes is subject to change.

The top individuals in each division will receive a cash award. The top three teams in each division will receive prizes sponsored by the Missouri Sheep Producers.

The results of the contest will be announced as soon as they are avail-able. The results will be posted in the Sheep Pavilion the following day. A copy will also be mailed to each coach at the conclusion of the Fair.

Entry deadline must be received by July 13, 2026 at 5:00 pm.

Section B: Open Lamb Carcass Show

Superintendent
Greg Onstott, Iberia, MO
Phone: 573-522-1534

Asst. Superintendent
Tony Hancock, MDA, Jefferson City, MO

Judges
On-Hoof – TBD
Carcass – TBD

Amount offered in this Section by State Fair………………………$2,288.00
Additional offered in this section by State Fair …………………. $535.00
Total amount offered in this section by State Fair……………. $2,823.00

The Missouri State Fair will award $725 to the Grand Champion Lamb Carcass overall winner and $375 to the Reserve Grand Champion Lamb Carcass overall winner

NEW: The top junior exhibitor of the lamb carcass show will participate in the Best of Missouri Sale on Saturday, August 22. The top junior exhibitor will be determined by overall results and judge’s discretion.

Premium List On-Hoof Class Placings

**Entries will be divided after weigh-in into a maximum of six classes with the following premium schedule applying to each of the six classes:

Class – Lambs (230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235)

• 1st place: $25
• 2nd place: $23
• 3rd place: $21
• 4th place: $19
• 5th place: $17
• 6th place: $16
• 7th place: $14
• 8th place: $13

• On-Hoof Champion – $125
• On-Hoof Reserve Champion $75

Premium List for Lamb Carcass Class Placings

Class 240

• 1st place: $95
• 2nd place: $87
• 3rd place: $75
• 4th place: $63
• 5th place: $59
• 6th place: $55
• 7th place: $47
• 8th place: $39
• 9th place: $35
• 10th place: $31
• 11th place: $29
• 12th place: $20

The Missouri Sheep Producers and the Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council will donate trophies for the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion On-hoof and On-rail lambs. The Missouri State Fair will award plaques to the two highest placing junior exhibitors in the Lamb Carcass Contest.

MFA Feed Division will award $500 to the Grand Champion and $250 to the Reserve Grand Champion on-the-rail overall win-ners of the Open Lamb Carcass Show. To qualify, animals must be enrolled in the MFA 4-H/FFA Livestock Premium Program, using one of the MFA recommended feeds. See your authorized MFA Feed sup-plier for details.

Purpose:

1. To promote the sheep industry in Missouri.
2. To help identify breeding animals which have the ability to produce lambs and desirable carcasses and percentage of lean meat.
3. To teach individuals how to recognize in live lambs those qualities which produce a superior carcass.
4. To study lamb carcasses and establish standards of evaluating car-casses.

Rules

1. Advance or Pre-Entry of all 4-H/FFA and open carcass show lambs is required on the Missouri State Fair entry blank. All lambs entered in the carcass contest will require an $8.00 per head entry fee. No pen rent will be charged. Wether and ewe lambs are eligible to compete in the contest. All entries must be slaughtered.
2. No lamb that has competed in the live on-foot competition of the Open Carcass show may be withdrawn, removed or otherwise with-held from processing by the exhibitor. Should a lamb entered in the Open Carcass show be selected as the 4-H/FFA Grand Champion Lamb or 4-H/FFA Reserve Grand Champion Lamb of the Missouri State Fair in the 4H/FFA Lamb Show, it will remain on the Missouri State Fairgrounds until after the Sale of Champions at which time it will be shipped for processing under the supervision of the Missouri State Fair Livestock Superintendent. Violation of these rules may result in any or all of the following:
   • Withholding or return of payment for the animal or exhibit, premiums and awards.
   • Suspension from future exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Com-mission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission. Suspensions can be for any length of time and may be permanent.
   • Probationary exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time and under such terms and conditions to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Com-mission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
   • Assessment of any other penalty determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
3. When there is only one (1) exhibit in a class, the exhibitor will receive half of the premium money for the placing awarded by the judge.
4. The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commission is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.
5. An exhibitor may nominate a total of four (4) lambs for carcass evalua-tion competition.
6. Lambs will be entered into Classes 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, or 235 at time of weigh-in by Fair staff. Exhibitors are required to fill out entry cards at that time, including name, address, zip code, and breed.
7. Open Lamb Carcass Contest wethers and ewes must be in place by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, August 12. All lambs entered in the carcass show need to report to the Horse Barn (Gate 11) on the southwest corner of the fairgrounds for unloading, health inspection and weigh-in on Wednesday, August 12, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 noon. The live minimum weight will be 110 lbs. The on-hoof classes will be divided equally and posted prior to the on-hoof show. These entries will be judged in the on-hoof classes on Thursday, August 13, at 7:00 p.m.
8. Weigh-in will be conducted and under the supervision of officials of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Divisions of Ag Business Develop-ment, Weights and Measures and Animal Health.
9. Trucking fees, not to exceed $10 for each animal, will be deducted from the exhibitor’s livestock payment.
10. All entries must be completely slick shorn prior to arrival at the Fair.
11. Lambs will be loaded out on Thursday, August 13, immediately follow-ing the On-Hoof Show. Lambs will be processed by Colorado Lamb Processors, Brush, CO. The packer will purchase the lambs at current market prices. The processor may deduct an administration fee of $3.00 per exhibitor. Payment for animals will be mailed directly to exhibitors from the Missouri State Fair.
12. The Missouri State Fair reserves the right to have urine, blood, saliva and/or tissue tests performed on any market animal to detect practices not considered to be normal or usual animal husbandry practices, including the use of anabolic steroids, diuretics, feed additives or drug residues. An exhibitor of an animal producing a positive analysis of drugs, unapproved medication or chemical residues, may result in any or all of the following:
    • Withholding of payment for the animal, premiums and awards.
    • Suspension from future exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time to be determined by Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission. Suspensions can be for any length of time and may be permanent.
    • Probationary exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time and under such terms and conditions to be determined by Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
    • Assessment of any other penalty determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
13. Carcasses must meet these minimum requirements to be fully evalu-ated and eligible for placing:
    • Carcasses must weigh at least 50 lbs.
    • Carcasses must grade USDA Choice or Prime.
    • Carcasses must have these minimum loin eye areas:
      • 50-54.9 lbs. Carcass weight – 2.3 sq. in.
      • 55-59.9 lbs. Carcass weight – 2.4 sq. in.
      • 60-64.9 lbs. Carcass weight – 2.5 sq. in.
      • 65-69.9 lbs. Carcass weight – 2.6 sq. in.
      • 70-74.9 lbs. Carcass weight – 2.7 sq. in.
      • 75-79.9 lbs. Carcass weight – 2.8 sq. in.
      • 80-84.9 lbs. Carcass weight – 2.9 sq. in.
      • 85-89.9 lbs. Carcass weight – 3.0 sq. in.
      • 90-94.9 lbs. Carcass weight – 3.1 sq. in.
      • 95 lbs. & up Carcass weight – 3.2 sq. in.
    • The carcass judge has the opportunity to disqualify any carcass due to poor muscling, quality, etc.
14. The weight, grade, fat cover, loin eye and reason for disqualification will be reported on all carcasses not meeting minimum standards.
15. All lambs condemned by the government inspector will be eliminated from the carcass show at no value.
16. The lambs meeting the above minimum requirements shall be placed on an index with the base being the percent boneless retail yield (as derived from the yield grade).

Placing Procedures:

• Calculate grade and percentage retail yield (fat thickness converts to yield grade and yield grade gives percentage retail yield). Subtract 50 points for 0 mm fat, 25 points for 1 mm fat, and 10 points for 2 mm fat. There is no penalty for carcasses measuring more than 2 mm and less than 7 mm of fat. Carcasses with more than 7 mm fat are discounted through the calculation of the percent retail yield.
• Establish loin eye minimums based on carcass weight from table shown in rule #13. Add 1 point to index score for each .1 square inch of loin eye over minimum.
• Check chilled weight for outside of the 50 lbs. minimum. Carcass is disqualified if below 50 lbs.
• Adjust quality grade by adding 2.0 for 1/3 of grade above low choice.
• Subtract 10 points for cryptorchids, “bucky” rams and yearling mutton carcasses.
• Rank according to highest index numbers.
• Subtract 25 points for carcasses weighing less than 65 lbs.
• Subtract 25 points for carcasses weighing more than 95 lbs.

17. A copy of the final carcass results will be mailed or emailed to each exhibitor.
18. Entries must be received by July 13 at 5:00 p.m. No late entries will be accepted after July 13. Market animals entered in a show for the Missouri State Fair, may enter in the Carcass contest during weigh-in.
19. Junior Exhibitors who enter more than one animal in the lamb carcass show, must exhibit the animal. However, when the show classes are broken and the exhibitor has more than one animal in the class, the exhibitor may ask for assistance from someone else to show the extra animal(s) in that class and any subsequent class that they have more than one animal entered. However, the exhibitor must take back the animal(s) and show it themselves, given they only have one animal remaining in the show.

Section C: Show-Me Lead Line

Mistress of Ceremonies – Jolynn Yates
Assistant – Pam Busdieker
Assistant – Angela Helton

Sunday, August 16, 1:00 p.m.

Amount offered in this class…………………………………………………$600.00

Rules and Regulations

Entry may be made with your other Fair entries, but must be in by 10:00 a.m. Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Entry fee $5.00 (entry on sheep entry blank), no entry fee for Pee Wee Fun Line.

Complete the Lead Line Emcee form on the Missouri State Fair website and bring it with you to the show.

1. The purpose of this class is to present a class of beauty, to acquaint the public with modern sheep production, and to promote the use of wool by demonstrating its beauty, versatility and source.
2. Entries in this class are open to any exhibitor or sponsored individual of any breed of sheep at the 2026 Missouri State Fair. These must be registered ewe lambs or yearling ewes conditioned and fitted for show, and trained to lead at halter. Other rules for exhibiting sheep at the Missouri State Fair pertain.
3. Entrants chosen by sponsoring exhibitors must be: Junior Division, ages 8 to 10; Junior Intermediate Division, ages 11 to 13; Intermedi-ate Division, ages 14 to 16; Senior 1 Division, ages 17 to 22; Senior 2 Division, 23 to 39 and Senior 3 Division, 40 and over. All entrants must wear wool or wool blend outfits either purchased or constructed by individual.
4. Entrants will be judged on the appropriateness and attractiveness of their attire, their poise and appearance, and their control and presenta-tion of the ewe.
5. Applications will be available at the table in the sheep barn beginning on Thursday, August 8.
6. There is a strict limit of 75 words for the biography and the attire de-scription on the Emcee Form. Please write legibly on the Emcee Form.
7. When there is only one (1) exhibit in a class, the exhibitor will receive half of the premium money for the placing awarded by the judge.
8. The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commis-sion is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.
9. There will be a Pee Wee Fun Line for all contestants 7 years of age and under. We encourage all Pee Wees to take part in this interesting sheep activity at the Sheep Pavilion. Entrants for the Pee Wee Fun Line’s attire may be made of wool, but is not required.

Class

• 1 “Pee Wee” Fun Line
  Class 7 & under
  • Award: Ribbons
• 2 Junior Division Class 8-10
• 3 Junior Intermediate Division Class 11-13
• 4 Intermediate Division Class14-16
• 5 Senior 1 Division Class 17-22
• 6 Senior 2 Division Class 23-39
• 7 Senior 3 Division Class 40 & Over
  • First place: $24, Second place: $20, Third place: $16, Fourth place: $12, Fifth place: $8, 6th-10th place: $4

All participants will receive a ribbon of participation in appreciation for promotion of wool.

Missouri Sheep Producers will award:

• Classes 2, 3 and 4, additional premiums: 1st Place-$30; 2nd-Place $20; and 3rd Place-$10.
• Class 5: scholarship valued at $300.
• Class 6 and 7: $100 gift cards.

Ribbons will be awarded from the State Fair and other awards from State Fair supporters.

The Missouri Hampshire Sheep Association, Kay Hayter, Treasurer, 459 East 550th Road, Walnut Grove, MO 65770, 417-788-2637, will award $20 to the highest placing leadline participant using a Hampshire. Only awarded to Junior, Intermediate and Senior 1 Classes. Four feeders will be awarderd.

The Missouri Shropshire Association, Carrie Peiter, treasurer, will make cash awards to the highest placing lead line participant using a Shropshire. Only awarded to Junior and Intermediate classes.

The Missouri Dorset Association, Susan Lacey, treasurer, will award cash prizes to the highest placing lead line participant using a Dorset. Only awarded to Junior and Intermediate classes.

Section D: Wool

Superintendent
Warren Finder, Kingman, KS

Judge
Warren Finder, Kingman, KS

Amount offered by Missouri Sheep Producers in this Section……$150.00

Judging Program

Tuesday, August 18, 8:00 a.m. in Sheep Pavilion

The objectives of this exhibit are to encourage the production of better wool, to stimulate interest in the proper preparation of wool for market, and to select the best fleeces entered in each class.

Rules and Regulations

1. Any grower of wool may enter fleeces, but they must be entered in the name of the grower who grew them.
2. The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commis-sion is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.
3. Eligibility of Fleeces – In order to compete for prizes, each fleece must:
   • have been shorn in 2023,
   • represent not more than 12 months growth except in the case of yearling fleeces, in which 16 months growth will be allowed, and
   • give a registration number for purebred fleeces.

Qualifications – Any fleece entered in competition at the Wool Show will be discriminated against if:

• Tied with other than paper twine
• Showing any paint or tar brands (soluble branding fluids permissible)
• Showing excessive dung locks or tags
• Discolored by excessive moisture
• Cotted
• Showing a weak staple or break in fiber
• Containing any excess burrs or other vegetable matter

4. Preparation of Fleeces – The fleeces will be exhibited in clear plastic or white plastic bags.
5. Delivery – Fleeces will be delivered to the Superintendent of the Wool Show at the Missouri State Fair, 2503 W. 16th St., Sedalia, MO 65301. Transportation cost must be prepaid by the exhibitor.
6. Entries close August 18. Mail all entries directly to Wool Superinten-dent, Missouri State Fair, 2503 W. 16th St., Sedalia, MO 65301.
7. Exhibitors are limited to two entries in any class, but entries may be made in as many classes as desired. No fleece can compete in more than one class except for champion or special prizes.
8. In case of controversy relative to classification of any fleece offered for exhibition, affidavits from the exhibitor may be required. In all con-troversies and in any interpretation of these rules and regulations, the decision of a committee consisting of the Wool Show Superintendent and the Director of the Fair shall be final.

Youth Wool Show

Class

• 1YF Youth Fine Wool
• 2YM Youth Medium Wool
• 3YNC Youth Natural Colored Wool
  • First place: $7, Second place: $6, Third place: $5

Rules and Regulations

1. Must be 18 years old or under to participate.
2. Limit of 2 fleeces per class per exhibitor. Fleeces may be commercial or purebred.
3. Youth fleeces will be eligible for open class show.
4. All rules and regulations apply as printed for open class.

Commercial Classes

Class (Numbers refer to spinning count)

• 4 Fine combing (64, 70, 80)
• 5 1/2 Blood combing (60, 62)
• 6 3/8 Blood combing (56, 58)
• 7 1/4 Blood combing (50, 54)
• 8 Low 1/4 Blood (44, 48)
  • First place: $7, Second place: $6, Third place: $5, Fourth place: $5, Fifth place: $5

Breed Classes

Only fleeces from purebred sheep of the following breeds shall be eli-gible to compete in this division, as evidenced by registration number.

Class

• 9 Corriedale
• 10 Natural Colored fine combing
• 11 Natural Colored medium combing
• 12 Natural Colored coarse combing
• 13 Dorset and other whiteface purebreds
• 14 Rambouillet
  • First place: $7, Second place: $6, Third place: $5, Fourth place: $5, Fifth place: $5
• Awards: Champion Fleece and Reserve Champion Fleece
  • Rosette

1st Annual Missouri State Fair Lamb BBQ Competition

Sponsored by: Missouri Sheep Producers and Missouri Sheep Merchandizing Council

• When: Sunday August, 16 – Check-in 10:00 AM – Judging 2:30 PM
• Location: East of the Sheep Pavillion Office.
• Participation: Two Team Divisions – Youth (8-18) and Adult
• Teams consist of 1-5 members

The Youth division will have three areas teams may participate in;

1. Leg of Lamb
2. Lamb Burger
3. Lamb Chops

The Adult (open) competition will be “Leg of Lamb” only.

Meat will be provided by the Missouri Sheep Merchandizing Council

Participants are responsible for their own equipment, admission and parking (yellow hang tag)

Guidelines: General Rules and Guidelines for the event will follow the Missouri High School BBQ Guidelines; National High School BBQ As-sociation (NHSBBQA),Inc. – Rules

Missouri State Fair specific guidelines for the competition will be available May 1st.

• Entry Fee: $25/team (payable at check-in)
• Awards: The Missouri Sheep Merchandizing Council will present awards to the top teams.
• Team Registration: Due July 1st.

To register and/or get a copy of the MSF Lamb BBQ competition guidelines contact:
Larry Henneke 573-220-7915 or at Lhenneke082960@gmail.com