NEWELL—For the past 81 years anyone with an interest in the sheep industry has made the trek to Newell on the third Thursday and Friday in September for the Annual Newell Ram Show and Sale. The annual event brings together people from nearly every corner of the sheep industry under one roof, from breeders, producers and exhibitors to fiber artists, crafters and agricultural vendors. The Ram Show and Sale took place on September 17 and 18.
The Newell Ram Show and Sale continues to be one of the nation’s top events for purebred rams and ewes. It draws participants from North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Colorado and Wyoming. “The show went really good, and as far as the sale, I’ve heard some good numbers,” shared Micole Braun, secretary. “We had just over 200 sheep consigned.”
The Ram Show kicked off Thursday morning. Ewes began the show, followed by rams. James Valley Stock Farm of LaMoure, North Dakota, took home the 2026 Grand Champion Ram honor, while Dave Pearson of Hettinger, North Dakota, received Reserve Champion Ram. Scott Crawford of Pipestone, Minnesota, earned Grand Champion Ewe, with Pearson also receiving Reserve Champion Ewe. Don Drewry of Farmington, Minnesota, rounded out the top honors with Champion Pair of Ewes.
The Ram Show saw its usual turnout in sheep numbers. “If I had to guess, I’d say like 50 sheep—that’s probably pretty average, because we have a lot of range rams that come in, and the range rams don’t show, just the stud rams,” explained Braun.
Sheep that are shown in the Ram Show must sell in the Ram Sale; however, you don’t have to participate in the show to participate in the sale. “No, you do not—you can bring stuff and just sell them today [Friday], but everything does have to be here on Wednesday, but no, you do not have to show,” shared Braun. “[If they are in the Ram Show] yes, you have to sell.”
Also on Thursday morning, the wool show began with both adult and youth divisions. Categories included Ram and Ewe by Breed; Natural Ram and Ewe; Youth Ram and Ewe and Hand Spinning. Cash prizes were given to the winners.
Merino wool took the top honors at the 2026 Newell Ram Sale Wool Show, earning both the Supreme Fleece and Reserve Supreme Fleece awards. Both fleeces were entered by Dally Myers of Mud Butte. Myers also received the Gary Babb Handspinning Award, which recognizes a fleece with qualities desirable for handspinning.
Brixie Vig of Opal received the Youth Fleece honor.
After the Ram Show on Thursday afternoon, the Newell Golf Course invited all attendees to enjoy a round of golf.
On Thursday evening beginning at 6 p.m., the Consignor and Recognition Supper was held at Newell City Hall.
It takes a local effort to put on the annual event, with members of the Newell Ram Sale Committee coming from the surrounding area. They are Cody Burke, chairman; Paul Erk, Dave Ollila, Lindsey Mangis, Chris Gotfredson, Cody Mills, Dr. Sandra Holcomb, Levi McTaggart and Ryle Millar.
The Hewitt Land Company was the auctioneer for the sale and DV Auction handled the online sales. Cody Burke was the sale foreman.
The Ray Garness Memorial Youth Purchase Credit Program gives kids between the ages of eight and 16 an opportunity to enter an essay competition for a $500 credit toward the purchase of a ewe at the sale. Justin Stranberg of Newell was this year’s winner.
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