VBSS CALENDAR
Show Sheep and Earn Points with the VBSS!
Any show can count for points if you turn them in to the Valais Blacknose Sheep Society!
Enter any Valais Blacknose Class, Long Wool, breeding sheep class, or showmanship class for points. Sheep, Youth & Adults can earn points with the VBSS! Be sure to also check out your local events for open classes, state fairs and local fiber festivals.
Sheep are required to show Valais Blacknose Standards. No blocking wool cuts or docked tails. Wool length can be shorter depending on time of year, as long as they have some wool to be judged and are not “blocked”.
“Official VBSS Shows” means Swiss trained judges will be there & points will automatically be added to the sheep & members profile. All other shows must be turned in to VBSSinfo@gmail.com within 7 days, including the filled out official sheep show form, placings, and a picture from the event.
Active VBSS Members can e-mail vbssinfo@gmail.com if interested in volunteering!
Sign Up for Shows
Sign up to participate in shows using the Showman App link below.
Earn Points
Submit the following form to earn points for participating in shows.
Shearing Schedule
Download the official VBSS suggested shearing schedule for sheep shows.
Breed Standards
Review the official VBSS Breed Standards for Valais Sheep.
All Upcoming Shows, Events & Due Dates
Deadline for Legacy Registries to receive TSU samples
TSUs and electronic submission forms must be received by this date to be included in the scheduled Flock54 submission date.
Visit the DNA Submissions page for instructions on submitting TSU samples and to fill out the DNA submission form:
For more details, click to view the DNA Testing Policy Statement and DNA Testing Procedure documents.
We ONLY accept TSUs. Do not send hair, blood, semen, tail docks, or ear notch samples as they will be rejected. Allflex brand TSUs are preferred by the lab. Other brands incur an additional $2 fee per sample.
Deadline for Legacy Registries to receive TSU samples
TSUs and electronic submission forms must be received by this date to be included in the scheduled Flock54 submission date.
Visit the DNA Submissions page for instructions on submitting TSU samples and to fill out the DNA submission form:
For more details, click to view the DNA Testing Policy Statement and DNA Testing Procedure documents.
We ONLY accept TSUs. Do not send hair, blood, semen, tail docks, or ear notch samples as they will be rejected. Allflex brand TSUs are preferred by the lab. Other brands incur an additional $2 fee per sample.
NYS Sheep & Wool Festival
Location:
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
6550 Spring Brook Ave.
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
USA National Valais Blacknose Sheep Show
Location:
Iowa State Fairgrounds
3000 East Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317
Click the image to view or download a PDF of the event flyer.
North Carolina Mountain State Fair
Location:
1301 Fanning Bridge Rd.,
Fletcher, NC 28732
Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival
Location:
Jefferson County Fair Park
503 N. Jackson Ave
Jefferson, WI 53549
Deadline for VBSS Secretary to receive TSU samples
Use the link below to review & download the DNA Testing Procedure that contains additional details:
Michigan Fiber Festival
Location:
Allegan County Fairgrounds
150 Douglas St
Allegan, MI 49010
Deadline for VBSS Secretary to receive TSU samples
Use the link below to review & download the Flock54 DNA Testing Checklist PDF that contains additional details and all future deadlines:
Ohio State Fair
Location:
Ohio Expo Center & State Fair
717 East 17th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43211
Black Sheep Gathering
Location:
Linn County Fairgrounds
3700 Knox Butte Rd E
Albany, OR 97322
Click the image to view or download a PDF of the event flyer.
Final Entry Deadline for Black Sheep Gathering
Location:
Linn County Fairgrounds
3700 Knox Butte Rd E
Albany, OR 97322
Click the image to view or download a PDF of the event flyer.
Deadline for VBSS Secretary to receive TSU samples
Use the link below to review & download the Flock54 DNA Testing Checklist PDF that contains additional details and all future deadlines:
Entry Deadline (Standard Price) for Black Sheep Gathering
Location:
Linn County Fairgrounds
3700 Knox Butte Rd E
Albany, OR 97322
Click the image to view or download a PDF of the event flyer.
Deadline for VBSS Secretary to receive TSU samples
Use the link below to review & download the Flock54 DNA Testing Checklist PDF that contains additional details and all future deadlines:
Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival
Location:
Howard County Fairgrounds
2210 Fairgrounds Road
West Friendship, MD 21794
Click the image to view or download a PDF of the event flyer.
Deadline for VBSS Secretary to receive TSU samples
Use the link below to review & download the Flock54 DNA Testing Checklist PDF that contains additional details and all future deadlines:
Deadline for VBSS Secretary to receive TSU samples
Use the link below to review & download the Flock54 DNA Testing Checklist PDF that contains additional details and all future deadlines:
Grassroots Refresher Zoom Meeting
When: Feb 12th, 2025 09:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Hosted By: Rob Lyerla
Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
National Western Stock Show
Location:
The National Western Complex
4655 Humboldt St.
Denver, Colorado 80216
Interested in Volunteering? Click the link below to get involved!
Click the image to view or download a PDF of the event flyer.
Grassroots Refresher Zoom Meeting
When: Jan 8, 2025 09:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Hosted By: Rob Lyerla
Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.