Per the UK’s National Sheep Association:
“ Typical breeds: Welsh Mountain (several types), Swaledale, Scottish Blackface, Cheviots, Rough Fell, Dalesbred, Derbyshire Gritstone, Herdwick.

Traits: Hardy, thick-coated, able-bodied, excellent mothers, adapted to living in the harsh hill conditions.

Purpose: Pure-bred breeding stock. Surplus female lambs and wether lambs (castrated male) are sold as stores to upland/lowland farms to be fattened. Older ewes that have lambed several times are transferred to the milder climates of lower areas and crossed with longwool breeds to produce Mules and half-breds.

Where to find them: Mountain and hill areas that have harsh climates, a short grass-growing season, relatively poor quality of soil and long winters.”

The show’s purpose is to promote and celebrate the UK Hill Breeds, and the three tier stratified breeding system that goes hand in hand with them: Scottish Blackface, North Country Cheviot, Border Cheviot, Welsh Mountain, Kerry Hill, and Herdwick.

Scotch Mules, Cheviot Mules, Greyface Mules/Halfbreds, and the maternal breed crossing sires Bluefaced Leicester and Border Leicester will also have classes.

There is also the “Any Other British Breed” category, where all sheep that are from a breed that originated in the UK are invited to compete against each other.

If you are not sure what is classified as a Hill breed in the UK, please reference HERE.

Most definitely!

Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the festivities!

Whether you’re a shepherd, local, or out-of-towner, we encourage you to come and have a fantastic time. Come see the sheep, shop the vendors, compete in the contests, watch the dogs run, and grab a bite to eat.

No registration necessary just to attend!

NO admission charged this year, it is completely FREE!

Bring yourself and your family and learn a thing or two, and find a few perfect gifts at the vendor booths.

No dogs are allowed in the sheep barn(s), or near the stock dog clinic.

Please be respectful of others, keep on a lead, and clean up after your pets.

We are using the Showman App again for 2026, where you will create a profile (or login if you already have one) and plug in your entries for sheep show classes, and even sign up and pay as a craft or food vendor or for a Farm-To-Table Dinner Ticket!

Registration is NOW OPEN for 2026, follow the link to enter: https://showman.app/shows#/the-north-american-hill-sheep-show-2d43

We encourage private sales!

The North American Hill Sheep Show is an excellent meet-up place to buy/sell stock for the 2026 breeding season. Lambs will be weaned by show time, and winners show their worth!

Yes and yes!

All sheep being shown can also be sold.

All sheep that are coming to the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds need to be recorded and have health traveling papers, even those just being brought for sale.

You will need to create a profile on the Showman App for sheep for sale, and once there answer the questions for sale only sheep and pens, everything can be paid there.

Judges for 2026 to be announced!

Short answer: Yes.

All sheep from breeds with purebred registration should be registered.

Exemptions will be made for UK breeds that are grading up, but even those sheep must be 80% or more pure.

Sheep Classes can be found HERE

There is also Youth Showmanship Classes!

Ages 11-16 years

Ages 10 & Under

Age and breed of sheep does not matter for Youth, they will be judged on their attitude and handleability and may be asked questions by the judges.

In the state of Michigan, out of state livestock need to be accompanied by a vet certified health certificate to transport, good for two weeks from the issue date.

Scrapie tags and animal identification tags need to be in place as well.

A vet will be on-site during the show.

Winners will receive customized NAHSS rosettes, and there is also a small number of vintage UK silver trophy cups.

The trophy cups are revolving, like the UK, where you can win it, keep it for the year, and before the next year's show you will get your name engraved on it with 2026, and return it with the hopes to win it again!

We also do not offer premiums.

Why?

We simply do not feel like they are necessary.

So, why bring your sheep to the show?

Pride.
In your flock, and a job well done.

To be glad that you're there, have the time of your life with like-minded people and maybe pick up new stock for the coming breeding season.
Maybe get that a rosette or one of those special cups.

Never fear, it’s the sheep that are being judged!

We understand that it can be unnerving to do something unfamiliar for the first time, we’ve been there! But, you will not be alone, and the focus is on the sheep!

Everything will be explained and all questions answered before we begin.

Welcome to Manistique!

Hotels, inns, and cabin rentals galore, with plenty of fine and casual dining options.

To see what’s available, click HERE.

We are excited that YOU are excited!

You should be, you’re going to have a fantastic time!

We have been working behind the scenes to make this event so special for you, we pretty much have everything covered or in the works.

The biggest help?

Attendance and publicity-

Come, and spread the word!

We understand you probably have questions, we want to get those answered!

Reach out to us anytime via email at pells@nahillsheepshow.com, or by telephone (906) 287-5041.