American Southdown Breeders E-Letter
There is an old saying in the South about “treating a man so many ways that one of them is bound to be right!”  Well, you don’t have to be in the South for that to happen.
The 2009 National Junior Show held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, this past Sunday is now history and what a great day it was for all who attended.
The Mid-Atlantic Southdown Association did a fantastic job in making everyone feel at home and glad they had come.  The show was well organized, fun for the kids, and presented great awards.  Each youth received a pewter belt buckle, Hershey candy bar with the AJSA wrapper on it, and an AJSA decal.  Show placing awards included:  hand- painted hexsigns from Pennsylvania, photo frames with a hand painted Southdown lamb, rosettes, banners, and the list goes on.
The weekend started with a special meal and reception to honor past Secretary Florence W. Strouse.  Mrs. Strouse served the Association and its members for many years.  It was wonderful to designate the junior show in her honor and also to unveil the new trophy, which will be awarded in Louisville in her honor.  This unique trophy will be given to the ewe exhibiting the best breed character at the National Show.
With over 200 head of Southdowns, the show ring at the Keystone saw a solid show with competitive classes all day.  It was a pleasure to have Dr. Mike Bishop of Rio, Wisconsin, evaluate the sheep.  Mike worked his way through the classes and orchestrated a great show.  It was particularly pleasing to have Dr. Bishop spend time with each of our junior members and discuss their entries.  Great job, Mike!
The Champion Ram of the National Junior Show came from the fall ram lamb class, Northern Starr “8120” owned by Krystal Repasky of Prior Lake, MN.  Krystal also exhibited the Reserve Champion Ram, coming out of the February class with Northern Starr “9108”.
The Champion Ewe of the show was a great yearling, Northern Starr “8023” again shown by Krystal Repasky.  A very stylish ewe lamb, Forsee “E09-100”, shown by Morgan Forsee of Owenton, Kentucky, took the Reserve Champion Ewe honor.
Morgan had a great day being the Premier Exhibitor of the show.  Sarah Doyle of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, was honored to win the Premier Exhibitor from the Mid-Atlantic region.
In a few days all the results of the show will be posted on the website.  Just another great day for the breed and for our Southdown youth!