April 24, 2020 10:20 a.m. 
Another event is going virtual.
The Douglas County Market Auction Committee has announced that a Virtual Lamb Show and Premium Sale is being planned.
Sam Lee, one of the organizers, said with 4-H and FFA programming cancelled through mid-June by the Governor’s Executive Order, the event is moving to the new platform for all 4-H and FFA youth registered in the market lamb program.
Lee said exhibitors will be placed into classes and evaluated through a virtual show. A video of the exhibitor showing their lamb will be submitted, following guidelines that will be released by the committee. The videos will be evaluated by a qualified livestock judge who will grade the lamb with either blue, red, or white ribbons, based on quality, as well as the place classes. The judge will also provide reasons that will be shared to exhibitors after the judging is complete. There will not be a grand or reserve champion award recipient designated.
Lee said because of the limitations of social distancing and technology, a Premium Sale will give exhibitors an outlet to market their lambs. Exhibitors will receive a cash award based on how their animal grades in the virtual show placing. Only blue and red ribbon lambs will be sold. This will be added to the market price paid by the commercial buy-back buyer for all market lambs in the sale. The Premium awards will come from community sponsors and donors. This could be businesses, organizations or individuals who have been traditional auction buyers in the past or new sponsors or donors. Lee said all sponsorships and donations are tax-deductible. Funds will be pooled together and awarded based on the premium system.
Other details are still being worked out, according to Lee. He said organizers have gotten assistance from other groups trying to create virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those who want to be a sponsor or make a donation, can contact Sam Lee at 679-3737. Checks can be mailed to the Roseburg Rotary Club at PO Box 502 in Roseburg, 97470.
Sam Lee was on the Morning Conversation Friday on News Radio 1240 KQEN. That interview is a KQEN Podcast at www.541radio.com.