We would like to thank all of those exhibitors that participated in the Iowa State Fair this year.  We had roughly 65 head of Oxfords.  Several of those that showed were first time exhibitors.  There were many stylish Oxfords to be found at Des Moines in 2008.  Mary and Harry Blome were able to make it to the show and were very impressed with the quality of the turnout.  This was the first time that the Blome's made it to the Iowa State Fair and we were happy to have them. Hopefully in the future they will exhibit some sheep here.

For those that are not familiar with the Iowa State Fair, allow me to point out some of the reasons to show here. Premiums: Iowa pays premiums on every sheep in the class, not just the top individuals.  Classes: Iowa has more Oxford classes than any other state fair. This includes individual classes, group classes, slick shorn classes, early, intermediate, and late classes, and market classes.  Convenience: The Oxford Show is on Sunday morning at 8:00 AM, and the sheep are usually released shortly after 12:00 PM. The sheep must be checked in by Saturday, mid afternoon.  The sheep only have to be there roughly 24 hours and you don't have to take off any time at work.  You can't beat that.  Comradery:  Everyone that shows at the Iowa State Fair helps one another out.  The attitude around the barn is relaxed and we all get along.  We do not let the competition get in the way of having fun.  There is no backstabbing or double talking here.  Competition:  More National Champion Oxford sheep have come from the state of Iowa than any other state.  Quality is a tradition in Iowa.  We invite people that have never shown here to exhibit and make a run at the winners circle.

Iowa State Fair Champion Oxford Ram

"ThrilleRR"

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This long bodied, attractive ram is our popular May born yearling "Thriller."  He is sired by "HeadlineRR" and damed by our best Harris bred "Power Pack" daughter.  Blomes, Hillside Farms, and Winning Ways Sheep Farms are all using maternal brothers to this ram as feature sires at their farms.  DOA x Harris is a popular genetic cross.  This is a testament to Iowa Oxford breeding. 

Iowa State Fair Res. Champion Oxford Ram

"Iron RRam"

Yet another DOA x Harris bred stud ram.  This ram is sired by "RRevolution" on a Harris bred "Turbo" grandaughter.  We sold 1/2 interest in this ram to Dustin Blome.  "Iron RRam" has super front end extension, length of body, depth of rib, and structural correctness.  He is sure to make waves in Blomes breeding program. 

Iowa State Fair Champion Oxford Ewe

Iowa State Fair Res. Champion Oxford Ewe