Two local children, Elizabeth and John David McCann, have received free sheep through an essay contest promoting preserving heritage breeds of sheep. They have written stories to explain how the program works and to encourage other children to participate.
Would You like to win a heritage breed of sheep?
by Elizabeth McCann
Age 11
I would like to tell you how I won my first sheep and how you can too. I have always loved sheep and was very excited to hear about the Youth Conservationist Program (YCP) for Heritage Breed Sheep and their essay contest. The YCP promotes young shepherds and helps preserve heritage sheep breeds. I am very blessed to be a part of this.
When I heard the results of the contest, I was so excited! I couldn’t believe that I had actually won! I won a beautiful black Karakul ewe lamb. Karakuls are the original Persian sheep and a very old breed. My lamb had tight black spiral curls and a sweet personality. She was the beginning of my very own historical flock of sheep.
The Youth Conservationist Program (YCP) is an excellent program, which enables young people (9-18 years old) to be shepherds of heritage breeds.
If you would like to compete to begin with a free ewe and start your own flock of heritage sheep, you’ll need to write an essay. The essay needs to be about “Why I Would Like to Help Preserve a Heritage Breed of Sheep.” In your essay, you’ll need to include details about where the sheep will live, your experience with animals, what your responsibilities will be, and last but not least, you should explain your interest in heritage breeds of sheep.
Each applicant must include a letter of recommendation from their 4-H adviser, FFA adviser, veterinarian, teacher, or clergy. The total essay should be no more than two pages long. The applicant should also write about a specific breed wanted, or if they would be fine with any breed available.
The essay must include your address, phone number and, if available, email address. If you are interested in the available breeds or competing in this essay contest, please contact Elaine Ashcraft at tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com. She’s great and so helpful and friendly. Then you can mail your essay to her at 46118 CR 58, Coshocton, OH 43812.
Sheep farmers will choose recipients from the essays submitted by April 1st of this year.
If you win, there are a few other fun activities you will be asked to participate in, like showing your sheep, creating something with her wool (it can be very simple), breeding your ewe to a ram of her breed, and promoting heritage breeds. I would really encourage you to try. This experience has been very heartwarming for me.
How you can win a free sheep
by John David McCann
age 9
My name is John David, and I want to tell you how you can win a free sheep. Have you ever heard of the Youth Conservationist Program (YCP) for Heritage Breeds of Sheep? Well, this is where I won my special first sheep.
A few years ago, my sisters were part of the YCP, and I decided that I would love to try to compete also. The first time I tried to compete, I did not expect to win a sheep. However, I got a huge surprise!!! I was so thrilled to receive a beautiful Karakul ewe lamb named Stella. She was stellar! I love her friendliness, beauty, and soft wool.
This is how you can try to win a heritage breed of sheep: You must write an essay explaining “Why I Would Like to Help Preserve a Heritage Breed of Sheep.” This essay must be written and submitted by April 1st this spring. You will need a letter of recommendation and be able to go to Maryland to pick up your sheep. If you are still interested, please go to http://youthconservationistprogram.blogspot.com.
If you don’t think you’ll win or you feel discouraged, please remember my story. You never know. You can never win if you don’t try. Stella was so worth it! Happy writing.
