Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival

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Jefferson, WI
Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival

Save the Date! September 6-8, 2024 Sheep production classes. Eventually, the conference grew to be the largest of its kind in the country.
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Breed and market sheep shows
Fleece show and Sale
Demonstrations
Country Store-two full building
Wonders of Wool Classeses-all three days
Crock & Whistle Stock Dog Trial-all three days
Make it with Wool Competions
Poster and Photo Contests
The Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival is organized by the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative (WSBC), an association of shepherds and sheep enthusiasts which has

roots stretching back to the late 1800s. In 1979, WSBC organized its first Wisconsin Sheep Industry Conference, an event at which sheep producers from around Wisconsin and the Midwest gathered to participate in a number of educational presentations and meetings. In 2002, the conference format gave way to the current festival format. While education of shepherds and sheep enthusiasts remains paramount to this event, the festival also now caters to the interests of fiber enthusiasts, stock dog owners and lovers, tourists, youth and many others. Last year, approximately 5,500 people, 500 sheep, and 110 vendors attended the festival. And, each year, more than 70 volunteer members and friends of WSBC help make the festival possible. Whether you've faithfully attended, exhibited or volunteered at the festival, a heartfelt thank-you goes to all who've contributed to the success of the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival! 2022 Festival Dates: September 9-11th. Lambing Barn-Hall of Breeds-shearing demonstrations

11/17/2024

Just a friendly reminder that Instructor proposals are due December 15th, 2024 to be considered for the 2025 festival. Head over to the website at https://wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com/education/instructor-proposals to submit.

Not a teacher, but have a favorite one? Tag them here and let them know you'd like to see them at WSWF!

11/02/2024

Congratulations to Woollets for winning the top prize for the Agriculture category at the 2024 Wisconsin Innovation Awards!

Based in Argyle WI, Woolley’s makes wool pellets, wool shreds, and wool mulching fleece to use in gardens, houseplants, and farms. Reduce watering needs, make transplanting easier, and reduce slug and snail damage using Woollets products.

Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival is proud to have them as an exhibitor! Find them in the Activity Center in 2025! Until then find them online or at your local garden retailer.

10/29/2024

🌟 Calling all fiber artists! 🌟 We’re excited to announce that we’re now accepting proposals for classes at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival 2025, with classes happening September 5-7, 2025 🐑🧶

If you have a passion for fiber arts—whether it’s spinning, weaving, knitting, or something entirely unique—we want to hear from you! Share your creativity and expertise with fellow enthusiasts.

✨ Submit your class proposal by December 15th and be part of this amazing celebration of all things wool!

For more details and to apply, visit https://wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com/education/instructor-proposals.

Let’s make 2025 unforgettable! 💖

festival

10/15/2024

A note to let you know that this year, there will not be a reorder of the festival apparel

10/04/2024

Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival Sheep to Shawl Competition results:
(Sheep to Shawl First Place)
Common Threads Fiber Group took first place honors at the 2024 Sheep to Shawl competition at Jefferson. The team was sponsored by Lost Art Fiber & Textile Studio, Waukesha, WI. Presenting a $300 cash ward to the team is Henry Clemes of Clemes & Clemes, Pinola, CA.

(Sheep to Shawl Second Place)
The Up North Spinners, a team comprised of spinners from northern Illinois, Wisconsin and Ireland, took second place at the 2024 Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival Sheep to Shawl competition and received a $200 award from Carol & Paul Wagner, Hidden Valley Farm and Woolen Mill, Valders, WI.

(Sheep to Shawl Third Place)
Taking third place at the 2024 Sheep to Shawl competition was Susan’s Shark to Shawl Team, sponsored by Susan’s Fiber Shop, Columbus, WI and made up of followers of Susan’s Fiber Shark Community. The team received a $100 cash award sponsored by Sutter’s Gold ‘n Fleece, Liz and Joe Sutter, Saint Germain, WI.

(Sheep to Shawl Peoples’ Choice Award)
Chosen by festival-goers and receiving 212 votes for the Peoples’ Choice Award was Common Threads Fiber Group, sponsored by Lost Art Fiber and Textile Studio, Waukesha, WI. The team received a $100 cash award sponsored by Brenda Rahn.

09/21/2024

We’re excited to announce the final age division winners for the Youth Sweepstakes at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival! A huge congratulations to our senior group:

Ben Wamsley
Lindsey Schmoll
Amara Bugenhagen
Vivian Stephenson
Vanessa Ornes

Your hard work and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring! Thank you for showcasing your skills and passion for sheep production.

09/21/2024

We’re thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our intermediate-age division winners at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival! Your hard work and dedication truly shine. We’re excited to announce that the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative is providing cash premiums for every age division! Here’s the breakdown of the awards:

1st Place: $100.00
2nd Place: $75.00
3rd Place: $50.00
4th Place: $35.00
5th Place: $25.00

Congratulations to our Intermediate Winners!

09/21/2024

The Youth Sweepstakes is proudly sponsored by the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative, thanks to the contributions and bids from our supporters at the Shepherds’ and Silent Auctions. A huge thank you to our generous supporters, A&J Nevens Livestock and Jeff and Leslie Nevens, for making these awards possible! Congratulations to the Junior Winners!

09/21/2024

We're excited to announce the Final Scores of the Youth Sweepstakes at this year’s Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival! This program encourages young participants from 4-H, FFA, and other groups to enhance their sheep production skills through various competitions.

Events include:
Make It With Wool
Judging Contest
Poster Contest
Lead Line
Photo Contest
Junior Fleece Show
Skillathon
Junior Breeding Sheep Show
Junior Breeding Sheep Showmanship
Market Lamb Show
Market Lamb Showmanship

Youths earn points based on participation and placement. The overall score will come from the top four results, with a maximum of two from breeding animals, fleeces, or market lambs.

A big thank you to Ron Patterson for his scoring expertise and Lynnette Taylor for helping compile the results. 🐑✨

Beginner Results: 1st - Paislee Holloway
2nd - Raylon Schreiner
3rd - Tenley Cory
4th - Gage Castle

09/20/2024

This part of the contest allows our young photographers to showcase their creativity and passion for sheep and wool through captivating imagery. Photos to be shared throughout the year, Congratulations to Our Top Photographers!

Stay tuned tomorrow evening, we will announce the top 5 overall winners of the Youth Sweepstakes!

09/20/2024

A huge thank you to all participants for your hard work and enthusiasm! Your passion for learning and growing in the field of sheep production is truly inspiring. We also extend our gratitude to the judges and volunteers who made this event possible. Congratulations to our overall winners! Here is the link to the Full 2024 Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival Judging Contest Officials: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3TL4e1Twv31GKmoZc_EvdfRoadHLrdSp
Stay tuned for more updates as we celebrate the achievements of our youth in one more upcoming category of the Youth Sweepstakes! 🐑🏆

09/20/2024

Junior and Senior Categories!
The Judging Contest at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival was an exciting event featuring a variety of classes, including the Hampshire Fall Ewe Lambs, Targhee Bred Yearling Ewes, Keep/Cull Polypay Ewe Lambs, Commercial Market Lambs, and a Fleece Class. We had a very close Senior Class this year, and we’re proud to announce the final scores. Each participant demonstrated exceptional judgment skills, evaluating livestock and fleece quality with confidence and expertise. The close scores in the Senior Class reflect the high level of competition and dedication among these talented individuals.

09/20/2024

The Judging Contest is not just about competition; it’s an invaluable opportunity for participants to refine their critical thinking and decision-making skills in sheep production. Each competitor gained insights that will serve them well in future contests and their agricultural journeys. Congratulations to the top eight of the Beginner and Intermediate age groups!

09/20/2024

Drum Roll Please! We will now highlight one of our participants’ favorite and most competitive categories of the Youth Sweepstakes.....the Judging Contest! This event showcases the skills and knowledge of our young producers as they evaluate livestock based on breed standards, conformation, and overall quality. Congratulations to Our Top 8 in the Novice Category!

09/20/2024

This year’s Poster Contest Results at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival! This engaging event was evaluated by the dedicated volunteers from the UW Vet School Small Ruminant Club. Thank you to all participants for your hard work and creativity! Your posters not only showcase your passion for sheep and wool but also educate others about the important aspects of sheep production.

09/20/2024

Announcing the Winners of the Junior Fleece Show!
We are excited to share the results from the Junior Fleece Show, a key category in this year’s Youth Sweepstakes at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival. Congratulations to our Fleece Show winners and stay tuned for more updates as we celebrate the achievements of our talented youth in the upcoming categories of the Youth Sweepstakes! 🐑💫

09/20/2024

Exciting Results from the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival Youth Sweepstakes!

We are thrilled to announce the results of this year's Youth Sweepstakes at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival! Our goal is to inspire young attendees to dive deeper into the world of sheep production through educational and exhibition events. Congratulations to the Skillathon Winners!!

09/09/2024

Address

Jefferson County Fair Park, 503 North Jackson Avenue
Jefferson, WI
53549

Website

http://www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com/

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Videos

At 4:30 the race is on! By far the most unique event at the festival is the much anticipated Walk & Knit & Walk & Crochet Relay Race. When looking at the map look for the number 13 to watch or to sign up and show off your skills!