Sheep Breeds Display

Updated for 2026

The Sheep Breeds display offers a rare opportunity to view up close and learn about many breeds of sheep found here in the U.S. As many as 30 breeds have been represented in the display. Breeders for each breed will display information about the characteristics, history and traditional and current uses and benefits of their breed and will be available for questions. Their displays will be judged and prizes awarded based on the how informative and attractive they are.

Criteria for Sheep Breeds Display Evaluation:

Sheep – 10 points  Sheep must be in the pen at the time of judging unless they are being shown in one of the sheep shows at the Festival. They should be good representatives of their breed and in proper fleece for the season.  Meat breeds may be slick shorn.

Educational Value – 50 points  Information about the breed of sheep should be included in the display.  It should include origin of the breed, the breed’s primary purpose, and other information of interest to the general public.

Handout Material – 10 points  Handouts should be available.

General Appearance – 30 points  The display should be attractive and relatively clean.  Clean water must be available to the animals at all times. Bedding in the pen should also be clean.

For more information, email gro.loowdnapeehs@yalpsiddeerbpeehs.

2026 Catalog Cover Artist Andrea Wisnewski

Find out more about our 2026 cover artist Andrea Wisnewski.

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It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mary Streaker, one of the founders of the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. Mary passed away yesterday, just two months shy of her 95th birthday.Mary's influence on our Festival, the Howard County Fairgrounds, and countless individuals cannot be overstated. She was a teacher, mentor, artist, leader, volunteer, and friend whose passion for education, creativity, and community helped shape the Festival we know today.Many of us were fortunate to know Mary personally. Even in recent years, she continued to attend Festival meetings when she was able, reconnecting with the volunteers and friends who had worked alongside her for decades. Her wisdom, enthusiasm, and deep commitment to preserving and celebrating the fiber arts inspired generations of volunteers, exhibitors, artists, and fairgoers.Mary's legacy lives on through the Home Arts Department, the Fine Arts and Photo Competitions, and the many traditions she helped establish and nurture. The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival exists today in part because of the vision, dedication, and countless hours of service that Mary and her fellow founders invested so many years ago.On behalf of the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mary's family, friends, students, and all who were touched by her remarkable life. We are grateful for her contributions, her friendship, and the enduring example she set for all of us.Mary will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.Visitation will be held at Haight Funeral Home, Sykesville, Maryland, on June 17 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on June 18 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon at 12:30 p.m. in the Howard County Fairgrounds Dining Hall. ... See MoreSee Less
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LOST AND FOUND!2026 MD Sheep & Wool If you lost an item at the Festival please contact gro.loowdnapeehs@ofni. We do have a few items that were left behind and will work with you to determine if any of them are yours! Glasses, wallets, journal, necklace, scarf, etc., etc. We'd like to see you reunited!! ... See MoreSee Less
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🐑 All the final details are coming together and we are excited to see everyone!!! Please expect heavy traffic on Sat am, so plan ahead! SO much to see and do all weekend! Come out and support local, small, creative owned businesses and agriculture at the #mdsw sheepandwool.org ... See MoreSee Less
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