Attention Youth Interested in Sheep!

The Ohio Cheviot Breeders Association (OCBA) is seeking applicants for the Jim Cluff Memorial Starter Flock Award.
The OCBA started the contest in 1994 to award a starter flock to an Ohio youth of up to 17 years of age. The purpose of the award is to introduce the youth to the enjoyment of raising and owning a purebred Cheviot sheep, as well as encouraging the growth of new Cheviot breeders in Ohio.
The contest winner will receive the following: a one year membership in the (OCBA), one bred ewe the first year, one ram the second year and in the third year the youth will donate a lamb to continue the award.
The application deadline is September 30, 2016. For an application and contest rules please contact Bob Hunter at (614)483-3202 or at rpkjhunter@msn.com.

2016 Youth Conservationist Program (For those interested in sheep)

Youth interested in applying for the 2016 Youth Conservationist Program:

  • Must be between 9 and 18 years old.
  • Submit an application postmarked by April 1, 2016 that includes: An essay which introduces you, your experience with animals, if for any reason, the animal is not being kept at your own home, explain, in detail where it will reside and what exactly your responsibilities will be, your essay should explain your interest in sheep, and answers the question: “Why I would like to help preserve a heritage breed of sheep.”
  • Each applicant must include a letter of recommendation from their 4-H advisor, FFA advisor, veterinarian, teacher or clergy.
  • The total application/essay should be no more than 2 pages in length.
  • The applicant should indicate if they wish to be considered for a particular breed or for any of the breeds available.
  • The application must include address, phone and if available, email address. Interested young people should contact Elaine for an updated list of breeds available, and then submit their letter of application/essay to Elaine Ashcraft, 46118 CR 58 Coshocton, OH 43812; 740.622.1573 tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com

ALL ESSAYS MUST BE MAILED, WILL NOT ACCEPT EMAILED ESSAYS!

Requirements if selected:

  • Must be present to receive the ewe at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival on Sunday, May 8, 2016.
  • Must exhibit the ewe at least twice in 2016 at: 1) a county fair or local sheep show and 2) the State Fair in the state where the recipient lives.
  • Must breed the ewe to a registered ram (of her breed) in the fall of 2016, should consult the donor breeder for their recommendations.
  • Must either use the ewe’s fleece to personally make a wool item or sell the fleece to a spinner, felter or weaver.
  • Must submit an article the following Feb/Mar to their local newspaper covering their year and including information concerning the next year’s YCP program.
  • Must submit a one to two page report, with pictures, to the Donor Breeder by April 30, 2016 and provide a scrapbook to be used at the Maryland Festival which is then given back to the youth.

Any questions please contact Elaine Ashcraft 46118 CR 58 Coshocton, Ohio 43812; 740.622.1573; tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com

Donors choose the recipients from the essays submitted by the youth.