2021 Romney Futurity Results
The American Romney Breeders On Line Futurity Show 2021 concluded on October 15th. ARBA’s Futurity program was a little different this year and will return to its previous format for 2022. Due to the many unknowns from Covid this year, it was decided that we would try something out of the norm. For the first time ever, ARBA had their National Sale on line, hosted by Integrity Livestock Sales. Any Junior that purchased an ewe in the sale, could then enter our On-Line Futurity Show without incurring any entry fees. The only catch was that the rules were very specific as to how pictures needed to be taken and that sheep and youth should be show ring ready. Nine juniors purchased eleven head in our sale that qualified for entry into our show. Nice cash prizes were offered to the Champion and Reserve Champion Ewes, as well as, prizes for the first placing animal in each class. T-Shirts were also awarded to each participant. The breeders of the Champion and Reserve Champion ewes also received a cash award. The Futurity program has been set in place to encourage breeders to consign their very best animals to sales (both private and public) and motivate junior members (and their families) to purchase high quality breeding stock.
Ed Julian from Ravenna, Ohio was the official judge of our online show. Ed is a longtime sheep breeder, livestock producer, agricultural and youth supporter, and well versed on Romney breed standards. He raised Romneys for many years so his experience and knowledge is invaluable. Each youth was given a copy of judges’ comments with some suggestions on where one might improve. The placings were as follows:
- Alivia Blum (MD) placed first in the White Winter Ewe Lamb Class with Winding Wicks 2103 and then went on to receive Champion White Ewe. She received a prize for her first place and then $100 cash prize for showing the Champion Ewe.
- Caitlin Plank (MI) placed first in the NC Spring Ewe Lamb Class with 3L&S 2115 and then went on to receive Champion NC Ewe. She was rewarded with a prize for her first placing and $100 cash for showing the Champion NC Ewe.
- Sadie Bonynge (IL) placed first in the NC Winter Ewe Lamb Class with E/C Plank 2111 and was Reserve Champion NC Ewe. Her cash premium was $50 plus her prize for first place.
The Breeders of the Futurity Ewes were also awarded a cash prize. Winding Wicks from New Hampshire was the breeder of the Champion White Ewe and received $50. 3L&S (Penny Swearingen) from Illinois was the breeder of the Champion NC Ewe and received $50. The Reserve Champion NC Ewe was bred by E/C Plank of Michigan and received $25 cash prize.
Much appreciation for youth and their families for purchasing these very nice ewes with special thanks to the breeders for putting such good ones in the sale. Looking forward to 2022 and continued success with ARBA’s Futurity Program.