Sheep

The sheep project can be an avenue for learning about the sheep industry. You will learn how to manage a market lamb or build your own breeding flock. 4-H members can enroll in either market or breeding.

Project Leader

Christy Mercer

(620) 389-2541

cmercer@usd404.org

Things to Learn/Do in the Project

Age 7-9

  • Learn the parts of a sheep
  • Identify breeds of sheep and their uses
  • Manage and train sheep for show

Age 10-13

  • Learn safety procedures and management practices for maintaining a flock
  • Identify symptoms, causes and treatment of common diseases
  • Study nutritional requirements for various ages of sheep

Age 14 and Older

  • Learn reproduction and genetics of sheep
  • Study technology's impact on sheep production
  • Explore career opportunities in the sheep industry

Project Materials

Reasonably priced materials are available for every project in Kansas 4-H. You can order the materials for your project online or contact your local Extension Office.

Market Lamb (SH100)

  • Select, raise and show a market lamb
  • Member must obtain ownership of the animal
  • Market ewes should not be returned to a breeding flock
  • Lambs, Rams and You (ages 7-10)
  • Shear Delight (ages 11-13)

Breeding Sheep (SH200)

  • Select, raise and show a breeding ewe
  • Purchase a flock of breeding ewes
  • Leading the Flock (ages 14+)

General Sheep Resources

Project Leader Resources

General Resources

Additional Resources - Veterinary Science

Events and Activities

State 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes
(Includes Livestock Judging Contest, Quiz Bowl, Skillathon and Meats Judging Contest)
When: August
Where: Manhattan, KS
Livestock Judging Contest
Award: Trip to Louisville, KY
Donor: Kansas Livestock Association
Award: Trip to National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO
Donor: Kansas Farm Bureau
Award: Trip to American Royal, Kansas City, MO
Donor: Joe Lewis Endowment
Meats Judging Contest
Award: Trip to National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO
Award: Trip to American Royal, Kansas City, MO/KSU

Kansas State 4-H Sheep Show
When: September
Where: Hutchinson, KS
Award: Cash premium and trophy buckle to Grand Champion
Donor: Grand Drive Committee, Kansas State Fair
Award: Additional cash premium will be pro-rated among the Champion and Reserve Champion breeds
Donor: Kansas Sheep Association Purebred Committee

Youth Sheep Day
Where: Manhattan, KS
When: March

Awards and Recognition

County Level
Award: Medal presented at your 4-H Achievement Banquet
Donor: Kansas 4-H Foundation Patron Sponsor Fund

State Level
Award: Medallion
Donor: Kansas 4-H Foundation Patron Sponsor Fund

National Level
Award: $400 National 4-H Congress Scholarship
Donor: Kansas 4-H Foundation Patron Sponsor Fund

Career Connections

Project Meetings

Weigh In Dates

Monday April 15, 2019
Columbus Fairgrounds (Quonset Hut)
5:30-7:00 PM

*Sheep need to weigh at least 90 lbs at final weigh in*

Links