(Cuba, Illinois) – Seven leading breeds of sheep have chosen the state of Ohio to host their 2013 National Sales. Southdowns, Corriedales, Shropshires, and Natural Colored sheep will be offered for sale during the Big Ohio Sale Weekend, Thursday – Saturday, May 9, 10 & 11 at the Preble County Fairgrounds in Eaton, Ohio. The three day event will see approximately 900 head of sheep representing 11 different breeds of sheep sell. In addition to Corriedales, Shropshires, Southdowns, and Natural Colored sheep, Cheviots, Oxfords, Dorpers, Montadales, Hampshires, Suffolks and Wether Sires and Dams will also be sold. Most breeds will offer special Futurity nominated ewe lambs and yearling in their classes for sale. The timing of the event sets before every National, 4H, FFA and junior show ownership deadline. Tunis, Border Leicesters and Romneys have chosen to hold their National Sales in conjunction with the Great Lakes Sale held Saturday and Sunday, May 25 & 26 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wooster, Ohio. The Great Lakes Sheep and Wool Festival also that weekend on the fairgrounds is an excellent backdrop for those three breeds plus 17 other breeds of sheep that sell in Wooster. The Eastern Regional Rambouillet and Merino Sales will also be held that weekend as well as strong offerings of Cheviots, Columbias, Finnsheep, Icelandics, Hampshires, Lincolns, Polled Dorsets, Natural Coloreds, Montadales, Polypays, Shropshires, Suffolks, Targhees, Wether Sires and Dams and Club Lambs. Over 300 head will be sold at Wooster as well as new and used sheep equipment, fleeces and crafts. “Enthusiasm for purebred sheep is high and the state of Ohio sets midway between East Coast and Western Cornbelt breeders who represent the biggest numbers of purebred breeders in the nation”, said Greg Deakin, Sale Manager at both events. “To have the trust of the leadership of seven different breeds pick Ohio for their National Sales gives potential buyers the confidence to attend the sales and be offered some of the finest genetics in their breed. It also says a lot for the Ohio Sheep Industry”, said Deakin. Deakin also complimented both the Preble County and Wayne County Fairgrounds for being very accommodating and functional for the events. The fairgrounds managers, Duane Grimme, Eaton and Don Reichert, Wooster, and their work crews understand the magnitude of the weekends and do everything they can hosting these National events. Last year’s sales attracted over 1100 buyers from 38 different states and Canada. Entries for both events close in mid-March. For more information about the sales contact Banner Sale Management Service, PO Box 500, Cuba, IL 61427, 309/785-5058, or www.bannersheepmagazine.com.