March-shorn group
Three teams of five paraded for the Koonwarra Trophy awarded for the open group and sponsored by John Williams, “Thalaba”, Crookwell.
Judges Kim Cartwright, Fullerton stud, Crookwell, and David and Sophie Watson, Maisters Swamp stud, Kentucky were assisted by associate judge, Sam Westenra, Marlbrough, NZ.
After an exacting assessment of each team the sash was presented by Mr Westenra to Wal and George Merriman, Merryville stud, Boorowa.
Judge David Watson told the assembled onlookers it “was a fairly tough decision” for all the judges.
“Basically, we thought these were all wonderful groups of sheep,” he said.
“We went for a sheep type in the end over a wool type because the sheep type is important if the fleece is going to be carried through various seasons.”
Mr Watson said the judges went for the Merryville team because of their overall sheep and wool type.
We went for a sheep type in the end over a wool type because the sheep type is important if the fleece is going to be carried through various seasons
- David Watson
The Merryville group was led by the six-tooth rams which included the champion finewool ram and the reserve champion finewool ram while their ewes included the junior champion which was also awarded the finewool ewe championship and the reserve champion finewool ewe.
August-shorn group
Peter, Cade and Jayne Lette, Conrayn stud, Berridale, took home the Grogansworth Trophy for August-shorn group led by three two-tooth rams which had not previously been shown, and supported by a four- and a six-tooth which had come first in their class.
March-shorn Pairs
John and Greg Alcock, Greenland stud, Bungarby, paraded the champion pair which had come through the medium-strong wool section.
The ram, an AI son of a Tara Park sire, had previously been judged supreme medium-strong wool ram and he was complimented by a four-tooth ewe.
August-shorn Pairs
Winston and Sue McDonald, Royalla stud, Wallendbeen, showed the champion August-shorn pair of ram and ewe. Although the ram had been judged in the medium-strong wool class, his wool type was closer to fine-medium and the ewe was a two-tooth finewool, granddaughter of Nerstane 9.10.
All judges made their assessment of those exhibited and Kim Cartwright made the comment he thought the wool on the Royalla-bred ram had “very rich wool and with tremendous style … he will be hard to beat down the track”.
Conrayn supreme in superfine classes
Peter, Cade and Jayne Lette, Conrayn stud, Berridale, followed up their success during the recent Great Southern Supreme Merino (GSSM) by exhibiting the supreme superfine wool exhibit, when judged by Sophie Watson, Maisters Swamp, Kentucky.
Ms Watson thought the March-shorn ram, which had been crowned supreme exhibit at the GSSM, a “big and upstanding ram”.
“He has a beautiful style of wool which handles on a full body with great barrel,” she said.
John and Greg Alcock, Greenland stud, Bungarby showed the reserve champion March-shorn ram.
The Lette family had further success when exhibiting both the champion and reserve champion March-shorn ewes.
Ms Watson was moved to point out each of those ewes displayed all the superb traits of crimp definition, handle and length of staple on a functional body she was looking for in a superfine Merino.
“It was hard to pick between them but I went for the champion for her overall finish and outlook,” she said.
