For Release: Immediate
Contact: Shanna Weaver
Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show
817-877-2400

NEW SHEEP CLASSES ADDED TO FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – Responding to emerging livestock industry trends, the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show announced today the addition of “hair sheep” wether lamb classes in the 2008 Junior Livestock Show. The addition of the classes reflects a growing utilization of sheep breeds that produce hair as opposed to wool.

“We are excited to see Fort Worth be the first major stock show to include hair sheep in their junior wether lamb show,” said North American Hair Sheep Association President, Philip Glass. “They realize these animals fit into the mainstream livestock industry and showcasing hair sheep will give a significant boost to an animal that is gaining favor among the rank-and-file rancher.” Stock Show Executive Vice President / General Manager, Bradford S. Barnes said the decision to include the classes came with careful deliberation. “Much like when we added the junior wether goat show, our decision was made after weighing all the important factors,” said Barnes. “We listen to the livestock producers closely and recognize that hair sheep have a place in the industry, thus we wanted to go the extra mile to accommodate the addition of the classes.”

The new classes will be available to lambs from the Dorper, Katahdin, Barbado and St. Croix breeds, or a cross from those breeds. The classes will be shown immediately after the Southdown classes on Saturday, January 26. The Champion and Reserve Champion hair sheep will compete for Grand Champion Wether Lamb of the Show and be sold in the Sale of Champions. Additional information on the classes can be obtained by contacting Stefan Marchman, livestock show manager for the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show at 817-877-2400.

In its 112th year, the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is slated for January 11 – February 3. Ranching Heritage Weekend launches the event with the “Best of the West” Ranch Rodeo, AQHA Best of the Remuda Sale and the Invitational Ranch Horse Show and Sale. The “Best of Mexico Celebración” and “Bulls Night Out” Extreme PRCA Bull Riding follow, providing spectators thrills and quality entertainment. Continuing the legend is 30 performances of the Stock Show’s renowned PRCA rodeo. For ticket information on any performance or other Show event, call 817-877-2420 or visit www.fwssr.com.