NPCLA Vision Statement

The Northern Plains Club Lamb Association is organized to promote youth education and involvement in the sheep industry. The NPCLA is open to Junior Members (youth up to age 21) from four states: Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. It also includes Breeder Sponsors from this same region who support the organization.
The NPCLA provides members with the opportunity to learn about all phases of the club lamb industry. The organization also teaches young people how to make educated buying decisions, take proper care of their animals once purchased, feed & exercise their project, show the best aspects of the animal in the show ring. The association then rewards participants for their hard work and dedication to the sheep industry. Many of our members raise their own lambs and are faced with every day management decisions. The importance of lamb health and nutrition is addressed from the time of conception to a finished product.
There are over 25 NPCLA sanctioned shows held throughout the summer, at which the junior members may exhibit their project and receive sweepstakes points. We also hold a showmanship contest at each show for the members. The showmanship division places importance on the member’s showing ability and sheep knowledge.
At the conclusion of the show season, members meet at a central location for the Grand Finale. During the two day event there is a lamb show, showmanship contest, several educational All-Around contests, and a year-end awards ceremony.
Through the All-Around contest members organize speeches, learn salesmanship techniques, and show their ability to successfully walk their lamb through an obstacle course, display their sheep knowledge and showmanship skills.
Through this organization the youth exhibit good sportsmanship, responsibility and a desire to keep the sheep industry progressive. As you can see there is great value in our program for today’s youth, it helps them prepare for the future. For the junior members to realize their full potential support must come from their role models which include not only parents and breeder sponsors, but livestock industry leaders, and futuristic companies and organizations as well. The junior members of the NPCLA are “tomorrow’s breeders leading their way to success.” Encouragement, recognition, and education are needed to keep the future of the sheep industry strong. We need your support!

Junior Membership Form: