Maryland Sheep Breeders Association

www.marylandsheepbreeders.org

The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival is the flagship event of the Maryland Sheep Breeders Association (MSBA). The association also organizes the annual MSBA Shearing School in early spring as well as a range of sheep, wool, and lamb promotional and educational activities; a scholarship fund; and an annual members’ dinner.

Officers

President: Steve Breeding
Vice President: Emily Chamelin
Treasurer: Colleen Histon
Secretary: Carolann McConaughy

Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival

Lee Langstaff, Co-Chair
Jeff White, Co-Chair
Gwen Handler, Chairman Emeritus

2024 Directors

Chris Dehne
Susan Schoenian
Penny Sica
Kate Warner

2025 Directors

Amanda Cather
Kenneth Farrell
Laura Kefauver
Nancy Starkey

2026 Directors

Sarah Capmbell
Ollie King
Lee Langstaff
Naveed Malik

Membership

Anyone with an interest in sheep and sheep-related topics, products, markets, or activities is welcome to join the MSBA. You don’t need to own or breed sheep or even reside in Maryland. If you want to join a community that shares a passion for this amazing and useful animal, its related products, businesses, or activities, MSBA would be happy to have you. Whether you are a farmer, shepherd, spinner, knitter, dyer, chef, student, or animal lover; or a sheep, wool, dairy or agriculture-related business; or just interested in learning about any of these – you are welcome to the MSBA community and resources!

As a member you will:

  • Join an active and friendly community of shepherds and others
  • Support the core activities of the MSBA
  • Receive the Maryland Sheep News, an informative newsletter that is emailed to all MSBA members three times a year
  • Receive regular publications from the American Sheep Industry Association
  • Receive priority consideration for enrollment in the Maryland Shearing School (applicable only if you own sheep), and your family members will be given priority consideration for the annual MSBA scholarship
  • Receive free admission to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival
  • Receive a free copy of the Festival catalog by mail
  • Pay a reduced commission on any fleeces consigned for sale at the Festival’s Fleece Show & Sale (membership must be current as of April 27)
  • Be able to promote your farm or business through a free profile page on the MSBA website, marylandsheepbreeders.org.

Annual membership dues are $25. The membership year runs from October through September. Dues received before June 1, 2024 will be recorded as paid through September 30, 2024. Dues for new memberships received on or after June 1 will be recorded as paid through September 30, 2025.

County Associations

Frederick County Sheep Breeders

Kristan Latham, President

Dedicated to all things related to sheep and goats. Offering a variety of opportunities to our members, and educational and community experiences to those interested in learning more about the sheep and goats we raise. Membership is not limited to Frederick County residents. Find us at www.fredericksheepbreeders.com and on Facebook @Frederick County Sheep Breeders.

2024 tickets and catalogs now on sale!

Tickets and catalogs for the 2024 festival are now on sale at https://mswf2024.eventbrite.com. The deadline for ordering catalogs is March 15.

Schedule of Events

Search schedule by:

Event Type

Day

New this year: If you want to get a catalog before the Festival, you must order by March 15. You can order at mswf2024.eventbrite.com/. Festival tickets are on sale there now, too! If you prefer to pay by check, you can download a catalog order form from our website at sheepandwool.org/purchase-a-catalog/; just make sure it reaches us by March 15.A limited number of catalogs will be available in the T-Shirt Sales building at the Festival while supplies last. We are now suggesting a $5.00 donation for catalogs picked up at the Festival. #mdsw #mdsw2024 ... See MoreSee Less
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Registration is now open at mswf2024.eventbrite.com for our Family Activities on festival weekend. Although targeted towards children, they are open to all ages. (Note: Parents of children 7 and under must stay with the child during the class.)This year's activities include:--God's Eye (Age 5+) --Card Weaving (Age 7+) --Needle Felted Hair Ties (Age 10+) --Lucet Braiding (Age 7+) --Exploring Simple Spinning (Age 5+) --Quick to Crochet (Age 7+)--Quick to Knit (Age 7+)--Needle Felted Fire Dragon (Age 7+) --Tapestry Weaving (Age 8+) --Hand Carding (Age 8+)--Needle Felted Beads (Age 10+) Spaces are limited, so pre-registration is recommended. If classes are not filled, registration at the Festival may be possible; check at the Family Activities Tents upon arrival. #mdsw #mdsw2024 #familyactivities #knit #crochet #weave #handcard #Spin #felt #lucet #needlefelt ... See MoreSee Less
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