Colby Barnes has had a busy summer preparing for and exhibiting at the regional and state 4-H Sheep Expositions. As an incoming 5th grader, this was Colby’s first year to be involved in 4-H and showing lambs. The regional show, held on June 27th in Cookeville, was the first test. Colby’s two lambs placed 2nd and 3rd in their classes. He also placed 5th in showmanship. The Tennessee State Sheep Expo was held July 13-15th, also in Cookeville at Hyder-Burks Arena. The competition was much more intense, but Colby lambs still performed well. One lamb was 5th in its class and was 4th place Tennessee bred. The 2nd lamb placed 11th while being 10th Tennessee bred. The show awards those exhibitors who raise locally raised sheep.
At the state show, there is an award called Premier Exhibitor. This award combines showmanship, animal score, and skillathon. During showmanship, Colby is judged on how he shows his lambs. In the market lamb classes for the animal score, the sheep themselves are judged on their quality and muscling. The skillathon is an exam that tests the exhibitor’s knowledge of breeds, nutrition, health, and other parts of the sheep industry. These three scores are tallied for the Premier Exhibitor award. Colby placed 11th in the state for his age category.
Showing sheep or any type of livestock takes time, hard work, perseverance, and responsibility but is fun and rewarding in the end. Colby did an excellent job representing DeKalb County on both the regional and state level. For more information about DeKalb County 4-H activities, please call 615-597-4945.
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