An outstanding display of Suffolk rams and ewes impressed judge James Corcoran, Gooramma Poll Dorset stud, Boorowa for the evenness of conformation and carcase quality.
Supreme breed exhibit was the one year old pregnant ewe shown by David and Helen Lieschke, Otto Suffolk stud, Walla Walla, previously judged champion ewe.
“I like that she is in lamb,” Mr Corcoran said.
“She has terrific style, handles well over her loin and is very well balanced.
“A really exciting ewe!”
David Lieschke thought his champion ewe has depth of body and is well muscled, essential traits he is aiming for in his breeding program.
Reserve champion ewe was exhibited by Urrbrae High School, Urrbrae, SA.
The ram championship was awarded to Greg Good, Bowen Suffolk stud, Millthorpe for his entry which had graduated from the July-shorn class.
Judge James Corcoran considered the one year-old ram had exceptional eye muscle, and a nicely balanced outlook.
“He has a great outlook with a nice neck extension,” he said.
“The champion has all the traits I am looking for in a terminal breed.
“Moderate type but still with a quality carcase.”
In his opinion, Mr Corcoran doesn’t think the industry needs ‘big’ rams which take a long time to mature.
“I am sticking with the moderate types as I think it is a desirable trait for a terminal sire when producing early maturing prime lambs for the domestic market and international trade.”
Named ‘Bowen Killkenny’, the champion ram is a half-brother to the champion ram at the 2017 Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo, and will be offered for sale during the Adelaide Elite in September.
Reserve champion ram was shown by John Sutherland, Sayla Park, Kilmore, Victoria.