FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 24, 2025 

MEDIA CONTACT: Candi Briley, (605) 353-7340 

 

South Dakota State Fair to Host National Rambouillet Sheep Show and Sale 

 

HURON, S.D. - The South Dakota State Fair is excited to announce that it will host the National Rambouillet Sheep Show and Sale, June 16–20, 2026, at The SHED on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds.  

 

Organized annually by the American Rambouillet Sheep Breeders Association, this prestigious event features both the National Show and Sale and the National Junior Show for youth exhibitors. Sheep producers from across the country will gather to showcase and purchase top-quality genetics and connect with fellow breeders. The event also offers regional commercial producers a valuable opportunity to access superior genetics from across the nation. 

 

“The National Rambouillet Sheep Breeders Association is very excited to return to the South Dakota State Fairgrounds to host our National Show and Sale,” said organizer Burton Anderson. “The new SHED is an excellent facility to host this event. The State Fair staff have been outstanding to work with, and we have received strong support from the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau, local businesses, and the surrounding community.” 

 

The recently completed 40,000-square-foot SHED serves as the permanent home for the Open Class Sheep during the annual State Fair and functions as a flexible, multi-use facility for a wide range of livestock events. The building includes a 1,320-square-foot education center and has capacity for up to 1,000 sheep. South Dakota ranks sixth nationally in sheep and wool production and is recognized for its strong breeding genetics, making the SHED a valuable, purpose-built resource for producers and visitors alike. 

 

“We are proud to welcome the National Rambouillet Sheep Show and Sale back to Huron. The SHED provides a dedicated space for livestock events, and we look forward to working with the Association to ensure a successful event for all participants and attendees,” said Peggy Besch, South Dakota State Fairgrounds Manager. 

 

The American Rambouillet Sheep Breeders Association was established in 1889 in Marysville, Ohio. Rambouillet sheep are raised successfully in a range of climate 

conditions from the scarce brush area of Texas to the extreme cold winters of the Dakotas. The ability of the Rambouillet to produce both high quality meat and wool, with little feed and at wide range of temperatures, are the key factors to maximizing breeders' profits per acre.  

 

In today’s technology driven world, producers must learn to minimize costs by increasing efficiency. The Rambouillet can attain this goal. For many years, the Rambouillet has been known as the profit "cornerstone" of the U.S. sheep industry. In the late 1970’s, the association decided to have a National Show and Sale to showcase and promote the breed. Each year this event is hosted in a different state.  

 

For more information contact Burton Anderson at (605) 852-2233 or Beau Chapman at (605) 430-5811. 

 

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