The New York State

Dutchess County Fairgrounds • Rhinebeck, NY

October 15-18, 2026
Sheep Show

Details

Some sheep are White, some are a Natural Colored. Some produce Fine Wool. Others grow Medium to coarse or Long Wool. As some of you may know, all are used for different purposes. Before it becomes the beautiful fiber that you love, it’s right here – – ‘On the Hoof’.

Fine wools are soft enough to be worn next to the skin. Examples of sheep that are considered Fine Wool are Merino, Rambouillet, and Cormo. Some people enjoy working with Medium Wool which may be used for a wide variety of knitwear, yarns, blankets, and tweeds. Sheep considered Medium Wool are, among others, Corriedale and Columbias. Long wools work well for outdoor wear and for durable goods such as rugs and upholstry. Some examples of Long Wool sheep are Romney, Lincoln, Border Leicester, Shetland, and Icelandic. Heritage or Primitive breeds have a coarse fleece. They are traditionally used for carpets, rugs, and some outerwear. Some Primitive Breeds have a dual coat, which is a fleece with two distinct types of fibers, a coarse outer gaurd hair and a softer wool fiber below An example of this is a Shetland sheep. The downy softer layer of wool is separated from the outer layer of guard hair and is used for fine things such as Shetland Shawls. The two layers of fiber within the fleece may also be blended together or with other fibers.

Wool is a natural fiber with great abilities, strong and durable, elastic, warm even when it gets wet, and is flame resistant. Wool from different breeds is varied in color, & length.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of the exhibitors and learn what a sheep show is all about.

Classes offered: Yearling Ram, Senior Ram, Spring Ram, Yearling Ewe, Senior Ewe, Spring Ewe, Pair of Ram Lambs, Pair of Yearling Ewes, Pair of Ewe Lambs, Pen of Three Lambs (both sexes), Exhibitors Flock (1 ram, 2 yearling ewes, 2 ewe lambs), Best Two Females Bred & Owned, Best Fleece (one entry per exhibitor per division) this is a free class and 1 winner is chosen from each division. All entries in group classes must be owned by ONE exhibitor. Classes with more than 15 entries will be split. Exhibitors are limited to two premiums in individual classes and one premium in group classes.

Prizes

Premiums:

  • $45
  • $40
  • $35
  • $30
  • $20
  • $15
  • $10

Official Rules & Terms

NY Sheep & Wool Festival Black & White Show

October 17 & 18, 2026

Judge will be Woody Joslin

 

Dear Exhibitors,

IMPORTANT CHANGES THIS YEAR: We plan to go live in late August (shooting for the 24th) with online registration. We will accept entries until all pens are taken.  Once pens are full, we will keep a waitlist.  To be put on the waitlist email Heidi at whf2605@gmail.com.

*Sheep may arrive between noon on Thursday through 8 pm on Friday.  WE WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT SHEEP AFTER 8 PM ON FRIDAY.

*Please arrive through the livestock gate on the north side of the fairgrounds.

*Penning charts will be posted in both barns.

*Health papers MUST be dated within 60 days of the NYSWF.

*Check in with Lisa as soon after arrival as possible.  Sheep not checked in/health papers by 9 pm on Friday will not be able to participate in the show and will have to leave.

*Only sheep entered in the show or breed display may be penned on the grounds.

*All sheep MUST BE REGISTERED and have papers when registering.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

*Away (hay, straw, etc) 845 876 1559 will be on the grounds.

Check In Hours Thursday 4-5:30 pm and Friday 10 am-2 pm, 2-4 pm, 7-9 pm

Please contact Heidi (whf2605@gmail.com) with any changes in numbers or cancellations (not substitutions). This may allow someone from the waitlist an opportunity to participate in our show.

Classes: Yearling Ram, Senior Ram Lamb, Jr. Ram Lamb, Pair of Ram Lamb, Yearling Ewe, Pair of Yearling Ewes, Senior Ewe Lamb, Jr. Ewe Lamb, Pair of Ewe Lambs, Pen of Three Lambs (both sexes), Exhibitors Flock (1 ram, 2 yearling ewes, 2 ewe lambs), Best Two Females Bred & Owned, Best Fleece (one entry per exhibitor per division, this is a free class and 1 winner will be chosen from each division.  All entries in group classes must be owned by ONE EXHIBITOR. Classes with more than ten entries will be split.  Exhibitors are limited to two premiums in individual classes & one in group classes.

Premiums: $45, $40, $35, $30, $20, $15, $10

Show Order:  Saturday, 2 pm-White Fine then NC Fine

Sunday, 10 am – Medium White, NC Long,

White Long, followed by Supremes 

Supremes: White Ram, White Ewe, White Fleece, NC Ram, NC Ewe, NC Fleece

There will be an exhibitors meeting following the show on Sunday.

We look forward to another great show.

Chuck & Heidi Simmons

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