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Sheep members in it for the 'shear' pleasure

Saturday’s rainshowers might have seen the St. Paul 4-H Sheep Show & Sale retreat indoors at St.
Kylie Lanza (far right) is a Cleaver member who joined the St. Paul 4-H sheep project, which is steadily growing in popularity. Lanza won second in the costume contest,
Kylie Lanza (far right) is a Cleaver member who joined the St. Paul 4-H sheep project, which is steadily growing in popularity. Lanza won second in the costume contest, dressed as her sheep and with her sheep dressed as her.

Saturday’s rainshowers might have seen the St. Paul 4-H Sheep Show & Sale retreat indoors at St. Paul’s Agland, but the bright faces of kids leading sheep around lit up the venue, as the club members not only showed their projects, but also helped visitors try their hand at leading sheep.

This is the third year for St. Paul 4-H’s sheep project, and the project just keeps growing in popularity, said leader Erin Yaremko.

“We almost doubled the sheep show members from last year,” she said, explaining, “I think because they’re small and easier to handle, the younger kids and the younger families are attracted to that.”

As the project only takes 60 days, and the sheep don’t require as much capital expense or as much space, it’s a popular option for people who may have acreages, as opposed to farms, she said.

The shorter time frame and ability to raise sheep on an acreage were both appealing aspects for Christie Lanza, whose eight-year-old daughter Kylie tried the project for the first time this year.

“Last year, we went to the sheep show; she led a lamb and thought that was the best thing ever,” said Lanza, adding her daughter asked to join the project and really enjoyed the experience.

“Sometimes you get to play with them and do fun stuff,” says Kylie in a quiet voice, explaining she enjoyed learning how to shear the animals.

Her mom explains that her daughter can be shy, but her involvement in 4-H had her try an impromptu speech as part of the public speaking competition, an experience which Kylie seemed to appreciate.

“That was huge for her . . . So she’s come a long way,” says Lanza.

While club members helped younger children and visitors lead around sheep, they also took to the ring to receive their ribbons for their efforts.

Champion sheep: Bradley Dubrule

Reserve champion: Emily Yaremko

Ewe lamb champion: Emily Yaremko

Ewe lamb reserve champion: Kyle Yaremko

Costume Class: 1st: Savannah Fontaine as Rapunzel, 2nd: Kylie Lanza as her sheep

Junior Showmanship and Grooming: 1st: Emily Yaremko, 2nd: Jaron Baerg

Intermediate Showmanship and Grooming: 1st: Kyle Yaremko, 2nd: Denver Graling

Senior Showmanship: 1st: Spencer Graling, 2nd: Graycen Smith

Senior Grooming: 1st: Graycen Smith, 2nd: Spencer Graling

Rate of Gain: Kyle Yaremko, 0.82 lbs.

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