SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT- 2008

Sheep Supt: Elliot `Bud' Burns Assist Supt: Barbara Burns Assist Supt: Rob Cameron
Judge: David Cook, New London, Ohio

The 2008 Fryeburg Fair had a total of 470 sheep judged for premiums. This was down from the previous high of 2007 of 511. The penning load was still great enough to maintain good displays with all occupied. A total of 538 sheep had been entered for the Open Show by Aug 15 dead line. Only six sheep were initially turned down with the remainder in losses from those not brought to the Fair due to animal health problems that developed three days before Fair time and those who didn't grace the show ring mainly from the 4-H exhibitors.

The number of breeds that fell into the All Other Category increased to five as the Lincoln breed did not qualify for their own show as there were only two exhibitors. The Dorset breed showed the greatest decrease in numbers over last year with only 18 gracing the show ring. This decreasing trend has been over the past few years when there had been up to 18 in the lamb shows.

Six Breed Classes, having a total of 177 sheep, were shown on Sept. 30 which started at 9 a.m. and finishing at 5 p.m. The second day saw five breeds having 177 sheep, shows running from 9 to 4:30. The last day again started at 9:00 a.m. and finished at 2:30 p.m. having 122 in three breeds. Each day, noon lunch of one hour was taken. This year the Natural Colored Breed again had the greatest number showing, with the Southdown showing 44 dropping to third spot and Hampshire surging ahead with 50 to take over second in numbers. Tunis maintained the same numbers with 38 showing as in 2007 and remaining in fourth position.

The Overall Ram and Ewe Show commenced at 3 p.m. on the third day and went to 3:40 p.m. The results of this Overall Contest are as follows:

Champion Overall Ram: Phillip and Lisa Webster with their Montadale Yearling
Reserve Champion Overall Ram John Hayward with his Southdown Yearling

Champion Overall Ewe: Jim and May Davidson with their North Country Cheviot Yearling
Reserve Champion Overall Ewe: Phillip & Lisa Webster with their Hampshire Spring Lamb

An Exhibitor's Meeting was held on Sunday Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. to discuss items of mutual interest:

1. This year it was noted that all but one exhibitor included the name of the breed on the Entry Form. The only one was that of a 4-H person. So that was a big plus over last year. The New Hampshire Exhibitors are still being negligent on obtaining the proper insurance in time to be sent with their Sheep Entry Papers. They were asked to obtain the Insurance earlier next year.
2. All Exhibitors were very pleased with the painting of the show area walls and the photo stand. To rectify the slippery condition of the photo stand, I stapled artificial turf to its surface which was satisfactory to all.
3. Work items suggested with priorities are as follows:
   Install an additional light on the side of the 4-H Building to illuminate the North side of the outside sheep barn. (Had some relocating of sheep in the night) and some outlets be mounted in the same area along the 4-H Barn. Exhibitors are still unscrewing light bulbs to obtain power. The east end has good outlets installed two years ago. (2007 request)
   
   Still having problems with audio speaker system. Greg promised to rewire system next year.

Ventilation still a big problem with inadequate air being allowed into the penning area. Exhibitors installed six fans to move the air but need forced inlet air or power exhaust.

Walking area on the South end of the show area is too narrow. When a show is in progress, it is not possible to push a stroller through, much less walk. It was suggested that the rail be positioned two feet into the show ring area. This will not reduce the show area enough to hinder the show progress. I feel that this project has high priority as we do not have handicap accessibility as wheel chairs cannot make it around to corners and gain access to the sheep pen area from the east end of the barn. Moving the rail would gain both objectives.

Electrical outlet on North end of show area is afloat. Needs attention.
Install a double pipe rail on the East side of the show area to replace having to install rope between posts. (2007 request)

Damage to the metal pen rails being caused by the big rams was addressed. Exhibitors have been asked to supply a plywood panel of thickness to spread out the load of the head long pounding by the larger animals.

The Shepherd's Awards were presented as follows:
1st Place – Phillip & Lisa Webster
2nd Place – John Cross
3rd Place - William Webster

Elliot "Bud" Burns, Supt.