SUFFOLK judging at the Landmark NSW State Sheep Show came down to two studs in particular - Bowen at Millthorpe and Kurrali at Neilrex - who exhibited strong competition in both the ram and ewe classes.
In the end, Bowen stud claimed both the champion ram and ewe broadribbons, and the ram went on to be the supreme Suffolk.
Judge Josh Milton, Milton Park Suffolks and White Suffolks, Allora, Queensland, described the champion ram as "well structured with a lot of length, very well muscled, and very true to the Suffolk type".
"I like to keep the Suffolk true to their type, and this ram has a very nice Suffolk head - he really takes your eye".
Greg Good, Bowen Suffolk stud, Millthorpe, said the champion Suffolk ram, Bowen Sonny Bill, had earlier this year been a champion at Sydney Royal.
The 105 kilogram, July 2014-drop ram was by the New Zealand sire Goldstream 231 and from a Bowen dam, who had been the supreme champion Suffolk ewe at Adelaide in 2014.
Kurrali stud at Neilrex exhibited the reserve champion Suffolk ram; the 111kg, June 2014-drop ram and sired by Allendale Bently was the brother of the champion ram at Adelaide last year.
Kurrali also exhibited the reserve champion ewe, who had previously been interbreed ewe at Mudgee this year.
However it was a Bowen ewe who claimed the champion ribbon at Dubbo - also by Goldstream 231, the ewe had been a champion at Sydney Royal.
Mr Milton said the champion Suffolk ewe was magnificent and shared many similar traits to the champion ram.
Mr Good said he planned to take both his grand champion ram and ewe to Adelaide this year, with the ram to be offered in the Elite Ram Sale.
Nick Heydon
The Land's property editor.
The Land's property editor.
