Although limited to two exhibitors, competition in the English Leicester classes was very strong with all sheep paraded showing the true characteristics for which the heritage breed is noted.
The supreme exhibit for the English Leicester breed was bred by breed stalwart Colin Taylor, Koennarl stud, Timboon and had graduated from the over one and half and under two and half year class.
Judge Pam Tait, Ashburton, NZ, a former English Leicester breeder was very impressed by the quality of the sheep paraded before her.
“The supreme exhibit has a good frame with excellent spring of rib,” she said.
“He is well developed with a strong masculine head, and a lovely fleece.”
The heritage breed is noted for it’s fleece with a long staple, soft and lustrous and in demand by home spinners.
The fleece of the supreme ram displayed all those attributes and Mrs Tait thought the fleece very even and with a lot of weight.
The ewe championship was also awarded to Colin Taylor, for his ewe which had been successful in the under one and half year class.
“She is a very feminine ewe, and will grow out,” judge Pam Tait said.
“She has good spring of rib, and a very even fleece, with perfect length and a lot of weight.”
