FAQ

  • What is a UK Hill Breed?

    Per the UK’s National Sheep Association:
    “ Typical breeds: Welsh Mountain (several types), Swaledale, Scottish Blackface, Cheviots, Rough Fell, Dalesbred, Derbyshire Gritstone, Herdwick.

    Traits: Hardy, thick-coated, able-bodied, excellent mothers, adapted to living in the harsh hill conditions.

    Purpose: Pure-bred breeding stock. Surplus female lambs and wether lambs (castrated male) are sold as stores to upland/lowland farms to be fattened. Older ewes that have lambed several times are transferred to the milder climates of lower areas and crossed with longwool breeds to produce Mules and half-breds.

    Where to find them: Mountain and hill areas that have harsh climates, a short grass-growing season, relatively poor quality of soil and long winters.”

  • Is the show ONLY for UK Hill Breeds?

    The show’s purpose is to promote and celebrate the UK Hill Breeds, and the three tier stratified breeding system that goes hand in hand with them: Scottish Blackface, North Country Cheviot, Border Cheviot, Welsh Mountain, and Herdwick.

    Scotch Mules, Cheviot Mules, Greyface Mules/Half-breds, and the maternal breed crossing sires Bluefaced Leicester and Border Leicester, as well as terminal sire breeds Suffolk and Texel, will also have classes.

    If you are not sure what is classified as a Hill breed in the UK, please reference HERE.

  • Is the show open to the public? Do I need to register just to attend? What does it cost?

    Most definitely!

    Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the festivities!

    Whether you’re a shepherd, local, or out-of-towner, we encourage you to come and have a fantastic time. Come see the sheep, watch the dogs run, and grab a bite to eat.

    No registration necessary just to attend!

    Admission charged at the gate

    Bring yourself and your family and learn a thing or two, and find a few perfect gifts at the vendor booths.

  • How and when can I register my sheep and stock dogs?

    We will be using taking registrations via the Showman App again for 2025, where you will create a profile (or login if you already have one) and plug in your entries for sheep show classes, stock dog trial runs, and even sign up and pay as a craft or food vendor!

    Registration is not yet open for 2025, but stay tuned and watch for updates!

  • Will there be a sale/auction?

    No sale or auction, however, we encourage private sales!

    The North American Hill Sheep Show is an excellent meet-up place to buy/sell stock for the 2025 breeding season. Lambs will be weaned by show time, and winners show their worth!

  • Who will be judging the sheep?

    Judges for 2025 are still in the works, and we know that everyone will have a great time hearing what they have to say.

    Keep your eye on the website and Facebook page for announcements and introductions.

  • Do my sheep have to be registered to show?

    Short answer: Yes.

    Long Answer: For hill sheep breeds, BFLs, and terminal sire breeds, all sheep entered into the show need to be purebred and papered.

    We understand that registration turn-around times are unpredictable.

    If you do not yet have a registration number from your breed's registry, enter "PENDING" in the section that asks for the registration number in the entry form in the Showman App and we will revisit it.

  • Do I need transport papers?

    In the state of Michigan, out of state livestock need to be accompanied by a vet certified health certificate to transport, good for two weeks from the issue date.

    Scrapie tags and animal identification tags need to be in place as well.

    A vet will be on-site during the show.

  • I would love to show, but, I don't know "how"?!

    Never fear, it’s the sheep that are being judged!

    We understand that it can be unnerving to do something unfamiliar for the first time, we’ve been there! But, you will not be alone, and the focus is on the sheep!

    Everything will be explained and all questions answered before we begin.

  • What about food and lodging?

    Welcome to Escanaba!

    Hotels, inns, and cabin rentals galore, with plenty of fine and casual dining options.

    Campsites at the UP State Fairgrounds are also available (full hook up) for $35/night, along with food vendors onsite.

    Some options:

    -Comfort Suites, Escanaba, MI:

    Has small waterpark and free hot breakfast.

    (906) 261-0998

    -Terrace Bay Hotel, Gladstone, MI:

    Right on Lake Michigan with a boardwalk, tavern, swimming pool/hot tub, and coffee shop.

    For more lodging and dining information, check out the list HERE.

  • I am so excited this is finally happening! How can I help?

    We are excited that YOU are excited!

    You should be, you’re going to have a fantastic time!

    We have been working behind the scenes to make this event so special for you, we pretty much have everything covered or in the works.

    The biggest help?

    Attendance and publicity-

    Come, and spread the word!

  • I have other questions, who do I contact?

    We understand you probably have questions, we want to get those answered!

    Reach out to us anytime via email at farm@pellspiepatch.com, or by telephone (906) 287-5041.

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