2018 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival Fleece Show and Sale May 5-6, 2018

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1 2018 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival Fleece Show and Sale May 5-6, 2018 Updates and Guidelines for Fleece Producers entering the 2018 Fleece Show & Sale: March 2, 2018 This letter is being sent out to all of the producers who entered fleeces for the last two years for whom we have contact information the vast majority by and a handful by U.S. mail. It is also posted in downloadable form on the Festival website ( so the information is available to newcomers as well. REMINDERS: 1. NO LATE ENTRIES. All entries must be RECEIVED by Thursday, April 26. No new entries will be accepted the day of fleece check-in (Friday, May 5 th ). If you have questions about the entry process, feel free to contact us ahead of time. 2. FLEECE CHECK-IN: 10:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. ON FRIDAY, MAY 4th at the back of the Farm & Garden Building. No entries will be accepted after 4: WHOLE FLEECES ONLY. Please DO NOT enter split fleeces or partial fleeces as separate entries. The Fleece Show & Sale is for the sale and evaluation of whole fleeces. There are other venues for selling partial fleeces by the pound. 4. DO NOT PRICE FOR NO-SALE. Once again, we ask that you do not place exorbitant prices on fleeces in the hopes that they will not sell. If you wish to enter a fleece in competition to be judged but don t want to sell it, we recommend you take it to one of the other venues that have a no-sale option. NEW THIS YEAR: Maryland Shepherds Cup Award. A $100 prize and name engraved on a perpetual trophy will be awarded to the Maryland shepherd who enters the best set of five handspinning fleeces from their own flock. Please see separate page with details. NCWGA Awards: The Natural Colored Wool Growers Association is offering special awards for the best natural colored fleeces entered by NCWGA members in each class (Fine, Medium, Longwool and Primitive/Double coat), as well as Champion and Reserve Champion prizes. To be eligible, NCWGA membership ID number must be included on the entry form.

2 ENTERING YOUR FLEECES 1. There is no mechanism for on-line entry. Please fill out paper entry forms and mail them with a check. Remember, they must be received by Thursday, April 26. Entry forms are available on-line as a downloadable.pdf file, as well as in the Festival catalog. To assist you we ve attached here a.pdf and an.xls version of the Entry Form. Please feel free to share these with others who may not be on our list yet. To access the Entry Form online go to the festival website: -> click on icon for Shows and Sales -> select Fleece Show and Sale -> select the downloadable registration form on the right. 2. Fleece ID. This field is for you to enter information that identifies the specific fleece and distinguishes it from your other fleeces, e.g., by name of the sheep or sheep eartag number, or some other way you wish to identify the specific fleece. 3. Breed Designation. Breed information on the entry forms should be designated in one of two ways: a. For purebred single breed: Breed Name (e.g. Romney) b. For crosses or mixes of more than one breed: Predominant Breed Name X (e.g., Romney X) Predominant Breed refers to the breed that is either the highest percentage breed in the cross OR the breed in the cross whose qualities are most reflected in the particular fleece. We realize that many buyers like to see complete breed information, and you are welcome to include the specifics in the optional Fleece ID column on your entry form this will print out on the tag that will be fastened to the bag. 4. Fleeces entered in Division III (breed-specific) classes should, of course, designate the breed but should not designate Class (A, B, C, or D). 5. Fleece weights must be rounded to the nearest ¼ pound - not ounces. We will round to the nearest quarter-pound if you don t. Please be as accurate as you can. If a buyer questions the weight of a fleece, one of our staff will oversee the process of re-weighing it, and the actual weight at that time will be the one used to calculate the purchase price. Remember that changes in temperature and humidity can affect the fleece weights measurably. Please DO NOT list estimated weights or prices you intend to change! If you do not have accurate weights or prices for your fleeces at the time you fill out your registration forms please leave those fields on the form blank and bring us the correct information when you arrive. 6. Covered vs. Uncovered Fleeces. The space on the entry form to indicate whether a fleece was covered (on the sheep) or uncovered MUST be filled out. This is critical if we are to continue to offer a prize for the best un-covered fleece. 2

3 7. The 2018 Division III Breed-Specific Classes will include: Bluefaced Leicester Finnsheep Border Leicester Gotland Coopworth* Jacob Cormo Karakul Corriedale Leicester Longwool Cotswold Lincoln Merino Montadale* Rambouillet Romeldale (incl. CVM) Romney Shetland * Montadale and Coopworth producers are on notice this year that unless there are entries in this class from at least 3 producers this year, the class will be discontinued. Note: If you are interested in having an additional breed represented in Division III, you must identify three exhibitors (representing different flocks) who will enter fleeces of that breed in the competition, and you must contact us by November 15 in order to include the breed for the following May Festival. 8. Producer Identification (and other information) with fleeces. - Sale-Only fleeces may include visible information on or in the bag(s) upon entry if desired. - Show & Sale (competition) fleeces: any additional information must be inside a standard plain white envelope in the bottom of the clear plastic fleece bag. If you wish to place more visible identifying (or other) information with your competition fleece(s) you may do so AFTER judging is completed. You can check with us late on Friday (depending on how late the judging goes) or on Saturday morning about doing this before the sale opens, or do it anytime after the sale opens. Bring your fleece receipt slips to make it easier to locate and identify your fleece(s) by the number assigned to them. 9. Lower Commission for Maryland Sheep Breeders Association (MSBA) Members: MSBA charges a commission on all fleeces sold at the Festival: 10% for MSBA members (as of April 1) and 20% for non-members. Annual membership is $25 and is open to everyone regardless of state of residence. To join go to: Last year 630 fleeces (73%) were entered by MSBA member producers (10% commission); 230 were entered by non-msba members (20% commission). There may be some of you out there who would benefit from joining MSBA for $25! FLEECE CHECK-IN - Friday, May 4 Fleece check-in will take place at the back of Building 2 (Farm & Garden Bldg) beginning at 10:00 a.m. You will be able to drive to the drop-off area where you can unload your fleeces before moving your car to a parking area. Please see attached map for location and directions to the site. When you turn onto the fairgrounds road, you will go all the way to the bottom of the hill to the last entry point into the fairgrounds and will be directed by signs around to the back of the barns and the fleece drop-off area. 3

4 REMINDERS for how to ensure efficient and painless check-in process: ü Check-in will be fastest, easiest, and cheapest for those who have registered with complete information (including accurate fleece weights) on their entry forms! ü Open bags - Bring your fleeces to check-in in clear plastic bags that are open. They must be open in order to place identifying paperwork in the bag. It takes extra time at check-in to undo knotted or tied bags. At the check-in table, each will be knotted with the appropriate amount of opening for judges and/or shoppers to view the fleece. ü Incomplete or inaccurate entries: If your registration information is incomplete or incorrect and requires changes or additions at check-in time, check-in will take longer and will incur a $1.00 administrative fee for each fleece requiring a change. Payment will be due at time of check-in (this will add a step and time to your check-in process). ü NO Late (new) Entries will be accepted. Intake closes promptly at 4:30. USEFUL INFORMATION FROM 2017 FOR PRODUCERS AND PURCHASERS We continue to summarize data relating to the numbers and prices of fleeces from the previous year s (2017) Show and Sale. This information can be found in full in the tables included at the end of this letter we hope you find it helpful. In 2017 there were 860 fleeces entered, delivered and available for sale, of which 360 were entered for Show and Sale (judged) and 500 were entered for sale only (not judged). Overall this was 276 fewer fleeces than the record number of 1136 fleeces in fleeces were sold (18 fewer than in 2016) totalling 3,591 lbs (7 lbs more than in 2016). Prices ranged from $3 to $110 per pound (average $16.32). Average selling price: $15.33 per pound Fleeces were entered by 163 exhibitors/producers from 14 states 40% from MD 18% from PA 16% from VA 7% from OH 5% or less from each of 12 states: NJ, NY, WV, CA, MI, IL, TN, NC, NH, IN There were 338 buyers from 32 states plus Canada and the UK. The silent auction, held for special prize winning fleeces, resulted in price increases that ranged from 41% to 167%. The Grand Champion Fleece sold for $500 (asking price was $ (whole fleece price); it was a white Cormo-cross fleece. As always, we welcome your questions, comments and ideas as we try to improve the Fleece Show and Sale for all of you and our buyers. We thank you for your ongoing support and participation. Please send your comments or questions to Fleeceshow@sheepandwool.org We look forward to seeing you in May! ~ Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival Fleece Show and Sale Committee: Lee Langstaff & Judy Leece (co-chairs) 4

5 WANT TO HELP? As always, it takes a great deal of volunteer participation to make the Fleece Show & Sale a success. Volunteers are a critical part of the success of the Fleece Show & Sale with tasks ranging from helping with sales, managing entrance and exit areas; ensuring tags are secured to fleece bags; and managing returns of unsold fleeces. Assignments for two-hour minimum commitment are made in advance to ensure we have all critical jobs covered, so please contact us well ahead of time so we can assign you. Working at the Fleece Show & Sale is a great chance to get exposed to a huge variety of fleeces and meet fellow fleece lovers and experts who are generous with their knowledge and experience. Please contact us at fleeceshow@sheepandwool.org. Attachments: Maryland Shepherds Cup 2017 MSW Fleece Show & Sale Statistics 2018 Fleece Show & Sale Entry form in.pdf and.xls formats Map 5

6 ATTENTION MARYLAND FLEECE PRODUCERS! $100 MARYLAND SHEPHERDS CUP The purpose of this award is to recognize consistent excellence in the production of handspinning fleeces by wool producers in Maryland. The winner will be judged to have entered the best set of five handspinning fleeces from an individual Maryland shepherd. The Maryland Shepherds Cup is offered in remembrance of Mary Ann Jackson, shepherd at Spinning Flock Farm. Mary Ann was a long time supporter and active member of the Festival Committee and MSBA. As well as being named 2006 Maryland Shepherd of the Year with her husband Ed, MaryAnn initiated the fiber arts and shepherd workshops at the Festival, taught innumerable beginning spinners and weavers, and was a tireless supporter of textile arts. The award will include a perpetual trophy inscribed with the name of each year s winner plus a $100 prize. GUIDELINES for entering: 1. Maryland shepherds will designate five handspinning fleeces that best represent their flock and breeding program goals. The fleeces must be from sheep belonging to the shepherd entering them and the farm must be in Maryland. 2. All five fleeces must also be individually entered in the appropriate Division and Class for Show and Sale. 3. Check appropriate box on entry form to be included in MD Shepherd s Cup competition. 4. The Entry must be accompanied by a brief paragraph (no more than 80 words) describing the goals of the shepherd/producer that are represented by their five selected fleeces. This is to acknowledge that different shepherds may have different goals. Examples might include: Perfectly matched fleeces (in color, character, quality); specific breed character; natural colors; or variety of fleece types, etc. 5. Only one entry (of 5 fleeces) for the Shepherds Cup per individual shepherd s flock.

7 Number of Exhibitors Number of Buyers 2017 FLEECE SHOW SALE SUMMARY DATA PRELIMINARY (NOT for Distribution) from 14 states from 32 states, Canada (ON, NS, QC) and the UK ASKING PRICE ($/lb) SOLD PRICE ($/lb) Total Lbs. Min Max Ave # Sold Lbs. Min Max Ave # Unsold Total Fleeces 860 $3.00 $ $ $3.00 $ $ Show & Sale 360 $5.00 $ $ $5.00 $ $ Sale Only 500 $3.00 $66.00 $ $3.00 $66.00 $ Coated Fleeces 243 $5.00 $ $ $5.00 $ $ Show & Sale 145 Sale Only 98 Uncoated Fleeces 617 $3.00 $66.00 $ $3.00 $60.00 $ Show & Sale 215 Sale Only 402 Division I (Natural Colored) A - Fine 58 $6.00 $40.00 $ $6.00 $40.00 $ B - Medium 109 $5.00 $82.00 $ $5.00 $82.00 $ C - Long 141 $4.00 $45.00 $ $4.00 $45.00 $ D - Dbl Coat/Primitive 41 $5.00 $40.00 $ $5.00 $40.00 $ Division II (White) A - Fine 64 $5.00 $45.00 $ $5.00 $45.00 $ B - Medium 116 $3.00 $ $ $3.00 $66.67 $ C - Long 137 $3.00 $85.00 $ $3.00 $85.00 $ D - Dbl Coat/Primitive 5 $8.00 $20.00 $ $8.00 $8.00 $ Division III (Breed Specific) 189 $5.00 $ $ $5.00 $ $ WHOLE FLEECE PRICES ENTERED SOLD Count Min Max Ave Count Min Max Ave Division I (Natural Colored) A - Fine 58 $30.00 $ $ $30.00 $ $88.98 B - Medium 109 $16.00 $ $ $16.00 $ $85.15 * C - Long 141 $7.00 $ $ $7.00 $ $58.87 D - Dbl Coat/Primitive 41 $15.00 $ $ $15.00 $ $54.48 Division II (White) A - Fine 64 $20.00 $ $ $20.00 $ $ B - Medium 116 $12.00 $ $ $12.00 $ $57.35 * C - Long 137 $9.00 $ $ $9.00 $ $61.84 D - Dbl Coat/Primitive 5 $36.00 $36.00 $ $36.00 $36.00 $36.00 Breed Specific 189 $24.50 $ $93.02 $ $24.50 $ $93.89 * * Max Sale price greater than Max Asking price due to Silent Auction of Special Award Fleeces SILENT AUCTION GR. CH/Div II CH/J.Hyland White Res. Ch./Div III Ch Div I Ch J Hyland Nat Col. Best Maryland (P. Brown) ASKING PRICE AUCTION PRICE Fleece # $/lb Total $ $/lb Total $ 168 $25.00 $ $66.67 $ $60.00 $ $81.25 $ $20.00 $ $27.27 $ $20.00 $25.45 $ $ $40.00 $50.67 $ $190.00

8 2017 MSWF FLEECE SHOW SALE DATA SUMMARY Breed Fleeces Lbs Ave Min Max SOLD Lbs Ave Min Max UNSOLD Bl Face Leicester $23.31 $8.00 $ $23.85 $8.00 $ Bl Face Leicester X $15.42 $7.00 $ $15.56 $7.00 $ Black Welsh Mtn $15.00 $15.00 $ $15.00 $15.00 $ Border Leicester $9.47 $3.00 $ $8.90 $3.00 $ Border Leicester X $12.57 $4.25 $ $11.25 $4.25 $ California Red $18.25 $18.00 $ $18.25 $18.00 $ Cheviot 2 10 $8.00 $8.00 $ $8.00 $8.00 $ Cheviot X $7.07 $6.50 $ $7.08 $6.50 $ Churro $9.31 $7.50 $ $9.57 $7.50 $ Clun Forest $6.00 $6.00 $ $6.00 $6.00 $ Columbia $15.00 $15.00 $ $15.00 $15.00 $ Columbia X 1 8 $7.00 $7.00 $ $7.00 $7.00 $ Coopworth 1 10 $4.00 $4.00 $ $4.00 $4.00 $ Cormo $32.23 $20.00 $ $31.07 $20.00 $ Cormo X $17.63 $10.00 $ $17.69 $10.00 $ Corriedale $16.38 $5.00 $ $16.38 $5.00 $ Corriedale X $15.36 $7.00 $ $15.36 $7.00 $ Cotswold $13.92 $6.00 $ $14.22 $6.00 $ Dorset $13.08 $5.50 $ $12.32 $5.50 $ Dorset X $8.71 $5.00 $ $8.71 $5.00 $ Finn $43.87 $8.00 $ $41.83 $8.00 $ Finn X 6 29 $7.00 $5.00 $ $6.80 $5.00 $ Gotland $38.17 $10.00 $ $38.26 $10.00 $ Gotland X $31.67 $25.00 $ $35.00 $25.00 $ Hampshire $6.50 $6.00 $ $6.50 $6.00 $ Hog Island 4 13 $10.00 $10.00 $ $10.00 $10.00 $ Jacob $14.50 $8.00 $ $14.63 $8.00 $ Jacob X $7.50 $5.00 $ $7.50 $5.00 $ Karakul $15.50 $12.00 $ $15.50 $12.00 $ Leic Longwool $8.75 $5.00 $ $8.75 $5.00 $ Leic Longwool X 8 67 $9.38 $5.00 $ $8.40 $5.00 $ Lincoln $8.96 $7.00 $ $8.62 $7.00 $ Lincoln X $8.59 $7.00 $ $8.94 $7.00 $ Merino $14.63 $5.00 $ $12.92 $5.00 $ Merino X $22.47 $14.00 $ $21.67 $14.00 $ Montadale $7.63 $6.00 $ $7.63 $6.00 $ Perendale $15.00 $15.00 $ $15.00 $15.00 $ Rambouillet $13.05 $7.00 $ $16.33 $7.00 $ Rambouillet X $12.39 $5.00 $ $12.39 $5.00 $ Romanov 4 14 $8.75 $5.00 $ $8.75 $5.00 $ Romeldale $19.14 $6.00 $ $18.59 $6.00 $ Romeldale X $18.06 $12.00 $ $18.06 $12.00 $ Romney $11.51 $5.00 $ $11.61 $5.00 $ Romney X $13.36 $5.00 $ $13.81 $5.00 $ Scottish Blackface 2 9 $8.00 $8.00 $ $8.00 $8.00 $ Shetland $19.76 $10.00 $ $17.14 $10.00 $ Teeswater $11.33 $9.00 $ $11.33 $9.00 $ Teeswater X 1 7 $20.00 $20.00 $ $20.00 $20.00 $ Texel $4.33 $3.00 $ $4.33 $3.00 $ Texel X $4.45 $3.00 $ $4.45 $3.00 $ Tunis $8.58 $5.00 $ $8.58 $5.00 $ Tunis X $16.00 $16.00 $ $16.00 $16.00 $ Unspecified 4 29 $10.88 $5.00 $ $10.88 $5.00 $ Wensleydale $10.20 $8.00 $ $10.20 $8.00 $ Wensleydale X $12.64 $8.00 $ $11.64 $8.00 $ TOTAL

9 MARYLAND SHEEP & WOOL FESTIVAL 2018 Fleece Show & Sale Entry Form ALL Registrations must be RECEIVED by April 26, 2018 NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED Name: Farm (Optional): Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Maryland Sheep Breeders Association (MSBA) Member as of 4/1/18? YES / NO (circle one) 4-H Division I - Natural Colored Class A: Fine SS = Show and Sale $7.00 Division II - White Division III - Breed (must be Show & Sale) Class B: Medium Class C: Long Class D: Double Coated S = Sale Only $4.00 MSC = Maryland Shepherds Cup Entries (must designate 5 fleeces) Fleece ID (optional) MSC Div Class Breed Coated (Y/N) Wt* $/lb** Show/Sale Status Entry Fee TOTAL ENTRY FEE: $0.00 NCWGA MEMBER # Must be included to be eligible for Natural Colored Wool Growers Association (NCWGA) Awards * Weight should be rounded to the closest 1/4 lb **$/lb MUST be included for all Fleeces! NOTE: Entries that require changes at time of delivery will be charged an administrative fee of $1.00 per fleece (including weights, prices, breed, etc.) Make checks payable to: Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival Send completed form and check to: Lee Langstaff, Old Hundred Rd., Dickerson, MD (Must be RECEIVED by: April 26, 2018) $25 charge for any checks returned for insufficient funds. Contact: fleeceshow@sheepandwool.org

10 FLEECE SHOW&SALE NEW LOCATION! Fleece drop-off at back of building (follow signs)