Bringing home the Blue Ribbon; family continues sheep showing tradition

The tradition of showcasing a farmer’s best cattle, swine, goats, sheep and an assortment of poultry make the 4-H fair a showcase of a Hoosier tradition.

The fair remains as vibrant today as it did when the 4-H organization was founded more than 100 years ago. 

The Fleetwoods carry a tradition of farming that extends nearly 25 years. Ethan’s uncle and aunt, Todd Fleetwood and his wife, Faith, of Fleetwood Farms have only recently made their way into this specific market of Dorper Sheep.

Todd  called the Dorper Sheep the black-angus of sheep because it’s usually used as meat. The Dorper Sheep are not native to southern Indiana. They originated in South Africa, and in places in Australia it is the largest breed of sheep, Faith said.

Faith Fleetwood said while bringing home a blue ribbon this year would be great, engaging the public about the Dorper Sheep and introducing their nephew to their farming tradition remains fundamental.

Being the only ones who will be showing the Dorper Sheep during the week’s 4-H fair, the Fleetwoods are still happy to showcase their animals to the public.

“We are looking at the marketability of this particular brand of sheep,” Faith said. Because the Fleetwoods do not use hormones in their sheep’s feed, they hope to attract individuals who are looking for a healthy, high-quality grade of meat.

One of the younger competitors, Billy Finkle, is showcasing his own cattle this year and described the competition this year as “stiff.”

He remained confident in his chances of winning the competition.

His friend, Colton Deckard, disagreed with his friend’s chances and joked, “I think he is making it up.” This is Finkle’s fifth year competing in the 4-H fair.  

Although Sunday brought a heavy rain to the fairgrounds, the fair’s activities could not be stifled.

Sunday was Family Day, and residents watched as farmers showcased their best at the Pygmy, Boer and Mini Goat Show.

Competitors walked alongside their respective animal, while judges did their best to judge who was most deserving of this year’s blue ribbon.

The sheep must be fed twice a day, the Fleetwoods said, with hay they grow themselves.

“It is hard work taking care of the sheep,” Ethan said.

Despite this fact, Ethan said he wanted to be a farmer when he grows up raising different farm animals, such as the Dorper Sheep his family raises.