KEEN interest was shown in the excellent presentation of stud and commercial Merino sheep displayed during the third Monaro Merino Muster held at Jindabyne.
The Commercial Pen of Eight Ewes sponsored by Gordon Litchfield Wool, Cooma drew seven entries when judged by Lou Armstrong, "Pemcaw" Merino stud, Dunedoo.
The winning pen bred by Lawrence and Melissa Clifford "Bindaree" Berridale was based on "Cottage Park" genetics for the past five years.
Mr Armstrong complimented all entries and said it was ''lovely to see such quality sheep."
"There was not much variation between first and last, and the sheep are a credit to the breeders," Mr Armstrong said.
Gordon Litchfield Wool Pty Ltd, Cooma director Gordon Litchfield congratulated Mr Clifford on his success.
"With sheep being bred like these on the Monaro, more people should realise the Merino sheep has a great future," Mr Litchfield said.
Mr Clifford was also successful when parading one of his champion pen of ewes to win the Monaro Commercial Ewe of the Year sponsored by Fabstock.
In the Premium Three Lamb Rams category sponsored by Southern Tablelands Fibre Testing and judged by Mr Armstrong, the entry from the "Greenlands" Merino stud, Bungarby was successful in taking first place.
There was also keen interest in the Thermoskin Ram of the Year class.
Six outstanding young rams were paraded before Mr Armstrong who gave the nod to a Poll ram exhibited by Drew Chapman, "West Plains" Poll Merino stud, Delegate.
The ram had previously been judged Supreme at the Great Southern Merino Show in Canberra.
"Not too many times a Poll gets over horned sheep these days but he is an outstanding sheep," Mr Armstrong said.
Speaking at the end of the day, president of the Monaro Merino Muster committee, Simon King "Avonside" Merino stud, Cooma, thanked all exhibitors and sponsors for their contribution to the annual event.
"It was a great day. We would have liked to see more commercial spectators, but the quality of the sheep presented was exceptional," Mr King said.
