Scott Mitchell, Rene Poll Dorset stud, Culcairn, NSW, admitted he had a very enjoyable but exacting day judging the Poll Dorset ram and ewe classes at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show (ASWS) in Bendigo on Saturday, as the quality on display was outstanding and a credit to the breed.
Supreme exhibit was awarded to the champion ram, bred and shown by the Scott family, Valley Vista Poll Dorset stud, Coolac, NSW, judged earlier in the day as junior champion ram.
The ram had graduated from the woolly ram, under one and half year-old class, and had been champion ram lamb at the ASWS in 2017.
“I am looking for a ram which will represent the breed,” Mr Mitchell said.
The Scott family said he has been unbeaten when shown since, with the most recent success winning champion ram at the NSW Dorset Championships held in Cowra, NSW.
He was sired by Tattykeel 90.14, purchased for $19,000 in 2015, who had also been champion ram lamb at the Australasian Dorset Championships in Bendigo in 2014.
Valley Vista stud co-studmaster Joe Scott said his champion ram was a standout lamb and continued to impress as he grew.
“As he put on weight, he was still maintaining his excellent structure and conformation,” Mr Scott said.
“We will be offering him for sale during the Australasian Dorset Championships in Bendigo later in the year in September.”
Reserve champion ram was awarded to the Armstrong family, Armdale stud, Marrar, NSW.
Champion ewe exhibited by the Frost family, Hillden Poll Dorset stud, Bannister, NSW, had been successful in the pair of ewes under one and half year-old, shorn.
“She has a lot of power, and is the most complete package, and had a bit more finish than the reserve,” Mr Mitchell said.
Reserve champion ewe was exhibited by the Close family, Closeup Poll Dorset stud, Finley, NSW.
In the Ian Bucknall Trophy for bare shorn ram under one and half years, Mr Mitchell awarded first place to Derby Downs Poll Dorset stud, Marong, ahead of the Hillden stud, while Valley Vista stud was awarded third place.
Mr Mitchell complimented the breeders for continuing to lift the standard of the breed as exemplified in the young rams paraded.
“The winner has thickness through his barrel, a beautiful topline, is good on his feet and is well blalanced,” Mr Mitchell said.
The Poll Dorset mixed pair was awarded to the Scott family, Valley Vista.
The Frost family’s Hillden stud’s success continued, being awarded the sash for the breed group.
