What the National Western Sheep Show Is
The National Western sheep program covers market lambs, breeding sheep and junior ewe lambs at the Denver stock show. The livestock page lists nine popular wool and meat breeds in the breeding show, held in the Junior Barn. For the 2027 show, the tentative schedule has the breeding sheep show on Friday, January 15 in the CoBank Arena and Saturday, January 16 in the Stadium Arena, with the junior market lamb show on Tuesday, January 19 at 8:00 a.m.
Ways to Enter
| Show | Who it is for | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Open breeding sheep | Breeders and owners; purebreds registered in the breed's flock book | $25 per head, $5 per group class |
| Junior ewe lamb show | Youth showing registered ewe lambs | $25 per head, plus $35 late fee |
| Junior market lambs | Youth ages 9 to 18 | See the Junior Market Premium Book; DNA kits $5 each |
The breeding-show fees above are from the most recent published premium list.
Breeds and Classes
- Wool breeds: Columbia, Corriedale, Cotswold, Heritage, Rambouillet and other purebred wool
- Meat breeds: Hampshire, Suffolk, Southdown (slick shorn) and other purebred meat
- Heritage classes: Jacob, Shetland, Fin, Navajo Churro and Babydoll Southdown
- Classes include ram lamb, ram, ewe lamb, ewe, pairs, lamb flock, best four head and flock, with champion and reserve champion ram and ewe
Who Can Enter and Rules
- Open sheep must be owned by the participant or immediate family by December 10; age base date is January 1 (November 1 for Dorset)
- Purebred sheep must be registered in the breed's flock book and bear association ear tags. Bring registration papers to check-in.
- Ewe lambs must have all lamb teeth and may not be shown with oils, paints, powders or dressings. A violation means disqualification with no appeal.
- No entries or substitutions at the gate. One substitution is allowed within the same class.
- Wetherdam weight limit is 275 pounds
- Junior market lambs: ages 9 to 18 as of January 1, 2027; minimum 105 pounds, no maximum; show up to 4 of up to 10 entries; slick-shorn; scrapie tag and 840 RFID tag; Certificate of Veterinary Inspection
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Open breeding sheep and junior ewe lamb entries: October 1 to December 10, 2026, with no late fee through December 10
- Junior market lamb DNA kits: September 1 to October 1, 2026; online entries October 1 to November 1, 2026; no late entries
- Breeding sheep check-in is the Friday before the show, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
- Junior market lamb schedule: showmanship Monday, January 18 at 1:00 p.m.; mandatory exhibitor meeting Monday at 8:30 a.m. in the Beef Palace; show Tuesday, January 19 at 8:00 a.m.
Premiums and Awards
- Open sheep premiums scale with class size, from $10 for one entry to $45 for first place in a class of 14 or more; ribbons to 1st through 4th
- Breed champion ram and ewe receive a banner and reserve champions a rosette; supreme champion wool and meat breeds receive banners
- Junior ewe show premiums: 1st $35, 2nd $18, 3rd $16, down to $8 for 8th
- Junior market lambs: 1st to 3rd pay $18, $16 and $14; the Grand Champion receives a banner and the Charles E. Kirk Memorial Buckle
- Showmanship has $5 entries ($4 to the jackpot) with age divisions: PeeWee (under 9), Junior (9 to 13), Senior (14 to 18)
- The Auction of Junior Livestock Champions includes 30 lambs
Where
National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt Street, Denver, CO 80216. Free vehicle parking comes with entry; trailer parking is available for a fee at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Questions
Can lambs stay in the barn during the breeding show?
Junior market lambs may stall there if entered with a breeding sheep entry.
Who do I call?
The livestock office at 303-299-5559.
Official Links
- Open Breeding Sheep premium list
- Junior Ewe Lamb premium list
- Junior Market Premium Book
- Livestock exhibitors
- Tentative 2027 schedule
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- National Western Stock Show
Sixteen-day stock show and rodeo at the National Western Complex in Denver, with open breed shows, an auction of junior livestock champions, pro rodeos and horse shows. The 2027 dates are posted.
- Western National Roundup
Four-day 4-H and FFA event in Denver with livestock and horse judging, quiz bowl, public speaking and parliamentary procedure contests. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jan. 7-10, 2026.
- National Western Stock Dog Trials
Cattle and sheepdog competition during the opening days of the Denver stock show. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jan. 10-13, 2026.
- National Western Swine Show
Market and breeding hogs shown in the Junior Barn at the National Western. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jan. 18-20, 2026.
- National Western Bison Show
Bison breeders gather in the Yards at the Denver stock show. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jan. 23-24, 2026.
4655 Humboldt Street, Denver, CO 80216 Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.