Points Guidelines

• Exhibitor’s must be an active Georgia 4-H or FFA member and must meet state requirements,
  as well as local school, chapter or club regulations.
• An exhibitor cannot have completed high school.
• Anyone failing to comply with any rules of the State Junior Livestock Show will forfeit eligibility to participate in this program.

• Eligible shows must be open to the entire state. The eligible shows will be listed on the GCLPA website.
• Shows must be posted on the GCLPA website prior to show for promotion.
• Shows must be held in the state of Georgia to be eligible for this points program.
• Classes/Shows must be market in nature, so as to not exclude any Georgia lambs from class eligibility. Therefore, Breeding Ewe classes/shows are NOT eligible.
• Show secretary or superintendent must agree to send an official copy of the show program and results to GCLPA.

• You (the exhibitor) will be responsible for calculating and keep your points for each show.
• Use the GCLPA Scoring System Chart, on the website www.GCLPA.com.
• At the end of the show year, you will need to pick ONE Georgia LAMB that has the highest total points for FOUR shows. ONLY POINTS FROM YOUR BEST Georgia LAMB WILL BE COUNTED.
• Any points earned from the GCLPA Futurity are DOUBLED for points consideration!!!
• Total your SHOWMANSHIP points for FOUR shows.
• Add the total points for the best lamb to the showmanship points. This equals your total points for the year.

• Atlantic Coast Classic – Sylvinia, GA
• West Georgia Lamb Classic – Carrollton, GA
• Farm Credit – Perry, GA
• GCLPA Futurity (points doubled for this show) – Perry, GA
• UGA Block &
• Southeast Empire (Gwinnett Co. Fair) – Lawrenceville, GA Bridle – Athens, GA
• Georgia National Fair (State Show) – Perry, GA

The GCLPA officers and/or directors will review the tally sheet for correctness after submittal.
Corrections will be made to mathematical errors.

All decisions are final unless an official grievance is filled in writing to the GCLPA Board of Directors within
30 days of incident. At which time, the board will prepare a response within 30 days of receipt.

Health
A sound management program to keep animals healthy is a basic essential to production of sheep. Producers and exhibitors must observe animals closely to keep the operation healthy and productive. There are several procedures that can be taken to ensure good health among the lambs. Maintenance such as worming (every 30 days), CD&T shots annually, trimming hooves, and annual vet checkups/visits should be up to date and often. Observe the lambs closely. Lamb issues can be detected by observing feces, snot, and even their personalities. A shift or change in their personalities’ is one of the biggest indicators to an issue or problem arising. It makes sense for this to be a large indicator because when we do not feel good we aren’t ‘ourselves’. If personality change is evident then research symptoms (from a credible source) or transport (if able) to vet soon. Time is a critical in the treatment of an issue or disease. When caught earlier it is more likely and faster the lamb(s) will recover. Keep in mind that lambs are prone to catching something when they leave the barn as well. Diseases and fungal issues are easy for lambs to contract when in a new environment with new animals (like shows, etc). Investing in an anti-fungi shampoo or treatment and a decent vet are some wise decisions. Monitoring lambs after trips are important as well to make sure all treatments were successful. Lambs are very complex individuals that demand correct health treatment and care practices. These practices will pay off in the end because a healthy lamb means a competitive lamb.

Meredith Camp
GCLA President

What is showmanship?
Showmanship is an exhibitor’s ability to exhibit their lamb to the best of their ability in a calm but competitive attitude
. To be a good showman you need to remain calm, hoping that your attitude will keep your lamb calm as well. To be competitive in Showmanship, you have to put the time in at home training. Everyone says, "Practice makes perfect" and it's true! Showmanship not only teachers you how to become a great showman it teaches you responsibility, determination, and if you put your mind to something you can reach your goal.

How to prepare?
Work daily at home, walking, setting up, moving as if a judge were watching you and one of the most important things I have found is to teach your lamb to be able to hold a brace for several minutes. Often times in a showmanship class you might be in the ring for 20-25 minutes, you and your lamb do not need to run out of gas. I have a large mirror at home, that way I can always check my lambs feet placing and side profile, but the mirror also allows me to look at my hand placing, posture, etc. The mirror is the best $10 I spent at Goodwill!

Your animal should be spotless clean, correctly clipped, ears cleaned. You should also look your best, by wearing appropriate clothes- everything covered and nothing hanging out! No distracting jewelry, no gum and definitely no cell phone. The many hours spent at home with your sheep will be noticeable in show ring.

The judge looks for the Showman who has their animal set up correctly, quickly and one who doesn't quit showing under any circumstance. All judges look for a few different things, but repetition and practice will pay off in the ring.

Always remember your main goal should be to have fun! Be grateful for those you meet along the way and those who maybe started this path with you. They will always be your biggest cheerleaders, on good and bad days.

Hanna Beth Richardson
GCLA Vice-President

As spring time finally rolls around, so does the time to buy a new set of market lambs for the summer. Today, I am going to give you a few tips that I follow when picking a winner. Usually, when I go to a sale I look at the animals before they are auctioned off, and try to get a good idea of what I want to buy. It is very important to know what you're looking for when you buy your animals. Always be prepared. And if you couldnt get anything in the real auction itself, take a look at the no sale lambs after the fact.

How do I find a good market lamb?
When you are picking your project, you always need to look for a well structure sheep. For example, a well structured sheep will have well-aligned legs and a nice even top line. But, a bad structured lamb will have its legs turned in or bowed out. (My personal nickname for a bow legged sheep is a banana legged sheep. ) Not to mention they will probably have a more uneven top line, and lack good bone structure. Now, you may find yourself wondering why bone structure is important. Well, If a lamb is not stable and stout on it's feet, it takes away that animal's ability to carry a good amount of product.

My Struggle
When I look for lambs, I generally try to search for taller built sheep. As a tall person, when early shows roll around I always need a taller sheep to take into the showring. So, I generally search for what we call an 'older style' lamb for my showmanship needs and purposes. I hope that this article has been helpful and that you now have a better understanding about sheep sales and what to look for.

Emma Long