2008 P.V.S.B.A. 4-H MARKET LAMB PROJECT
Questions and Answers

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What is the 4-H Market Lamb Project?
It's a short term, introductory livestock project. In the spring, youth obtain a quality market lamb. Throughout the summer, youth are responsible for the care of the lamb.  PVSBA will assist you in marketing your lamb in August.

What are the goals of the project?
The Market Lamb Project provides many learning experiences. It includes an introduction to livestock management, and it develops responsibility through the daily commitment of caring for the lamb. The project provides opportunities for families to learn and work together. Strong family interest and support insure a meaningful and successful experience. An important goal of this project is to let families have a short-term project that allows them to experience the beginning of a livestock project.

Who may participate?
The 4-H Market Lamb Project is open to all youth 8 - 16 years of age.

How much does a market lamb cost?
The cost for a quality lamb is $75.00. The Pioneer Valley Sheep Breeders Association offers financial assistance to youth who are beginning with sheep. The amount of support averages one third the cost of the lamb. Interested youth may apply for this support by submitting a completed application by April 15^th.  Payment of $75 must accompany each application.  Upon completion of the project and the sale of the lamb, $25 of the cost of the lamb will be refunded.  Applicants who withdraw from the project by May 1^st  will have their $75 returned.  Additional applications are available from project volunteers. 

When and where do participants receive their lambs?
Market Lamb scholarships are presented to participants at the "New Shepherd's Clinic” to be held Sunday, May 4^th . This clinic includes educational workshops for participants and their families.  This is an opportunity for project families to learn to care for their lamb and to learn basic sheep handling skills. 

Project lambs become available to participants as part of the Massachusetts Sheep & Woolcraft Fair held May 24^th at the fairgrounds in Cummington. A select group of lambs will be evaluated, and the top lambs will be sold to project members. Scholarship recipients must obtain their lamb through this program. This insures that each youngster receives a healthy lamb that has received the proper feed and veterinary care for good growth.

How much does it cost to raise a market lamb?
Raising a lamb to market size (90 - 120 pounds) will necessitate about 300 pounds of grain and about the same amount of hay. Although prices vary, total feed costs should average about $90.00. Good quality grain and hay and plenty of clean, fresh water will produce the best lambs by the August Showcase.

What facilities are needed?
Basically the lamb needs a secure place where it can get out of the rain or hot sun. A 6' x 6' shelter is adequate. The shelter should be dry and well bedded. An attached exercise yard of about 30 square feet is desirable.

As a new lamb owner, where can a project participant turn to for help?
Project members are encouraged to participate in the activities of a 4-H sheep club or the Future Farmers of America if one exists in their community. All market lamb raisers can draw upon the expertise of the members of the Pioneer Valley Sheep Breeders Association. The following 4-H sheep project volunteers are available to answer further questions about caring for a market lamb:

What activities are scheduled for Market lamb Proiect members?
Project members are required to attend the market lamb programs held by the Pioneer Valley Sheep Breeders Association. These include:
        • New Shepherd's Clinic, May 4^th
        • Market Lamb Distribution, Saturday, May 24^th 
        • Showmanship Clinic,  Saturday, June 21^st , Franklin County Days - 4-H Fair

*Attend one 4-H Fair with your lamb:
        ·Hampshire County 4-H Fair July 12^th
        ·Hampden County 4-H Fair, July 26^th
        ·Berkshire County 4-H Fair Aug. 16^th

*Join a 4-H animal club by 5/1.

*Show your lamb at the Market Lamb Showcase at the Cummington Fair
        Friday, Aug. 22^nd  - Market Lamb Showcase
        Saturday, Aug 23^rd - Youth Sheep Show.

PVSBA will be available to help market your lamb thus concluding the project at this time. 

In addition, participants may also exhibit at area fairs including Heath Fair, Westfield Fair, Adams Fair, Three County Fair and Franklin County Fair.

 Participants are welcome at all 4-H activities.  

For further information, contact:
Julie Severance
862 Orange Road
Warwick, MA  01378
(978) 544-5427