Wool fleece Show set for March 8

Press release

The 69th Montana Seed Show will again feature a wool fleece show, in its 29th year held in conjunction with the Seed Show.

Fleeces can be entered between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, in the Harlem High School Auditorium. Exhibitors can also leave fleeces at the Montana State University Blaine County Extension Office which will take fleeces to the show. Fleeces may also be sent to Sandra Miller, 620 Miller Road, Harlem, MT 59526. Fleeces sent this way will be sent back postage paid to the exhibitor.

The wool fleece show will have two divisions for exhibitors — adult and youth, age 18 and under as of Jan. 1. The show will also include both purebred and commercial classes for all types of wool. Ribbons and $100 cash sweepstakes will be awarded this year.

Eligibility of fleeces is as follows:

• Fleeces must be exhibited by the owner.

• Fleeces should not represent more than 12 months growth.

• Label, name, address and phone number of exhibitor, breed of sheep, identifying whether a ram or ewe fleece and include registration number if applicable, and whether adult or junior exhibitor.

Fleeces must conform to some qualifications. They will be discriminated against if:

• showing excessive paint brand

• showing excessive dung or tags

• showing excessive vegetable matter or burrs

• showing excessive discoloring from moisture

• showing cotted portions or weak fiber staple.

Judging of the fleeces will start at 1 p.m. March 8 in the Harlem High auditorium.

Judging is open to the public and interested people are welcome to come and watch the judge work. Comment sheets will be used to help exhibitors understand the judge decisions.

Any additional questions can be directed to Miller at 357-4121.