![Hayden Cox, Bocoble Merinos, Dunedoo with the champion August-shorn superfine ewe
Hayden Cox, Bocoble Merinos, Dunedoo with the champion August-shorn superfine ewe](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/32LqHZrHAKYLTZidaVK8Cqa/cc06903d-4a7c-4c8c-9a00-8f39d0f646cb.JPG/r0_55_4928_3220_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The annual Great Southern Supreme Merino show and sale is the opening event showcasing the best of the breed; and as befits the premier occasion draws a lot of committed wool growers to view the latest attempts by studmasters to continue to improve their stock.
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During the three days of the 72nd annual show and sale complementary comments on the increase in fleece weight and quality on the sheep on display were often heard.
It was generally thought a more even display of sheep had not been seen for a long time, and Monaro-based sheep breeder, Michael Green from Cooma was pleased to see stud breeders continue to maintain genetic gain through a very tough season.
“The sheep here are even right through all the classes and it will be a tough job for the judges,” he said.
“It certainly is a tribute to the dedication of the studmasters they focus on fleece weight and quality and conformation of their sheep.”
The quality in the sale pens was no less.
“The lineup was even all over from start to finish,” according to Matt Joseph, Landmark, Cooma.
![Alan McCormack, Walwa Merinos, Gurrundah with the winning pen of three sale rams
Alan McCormack, Walwa Merinos, Gurrundah with the winning pen of three sale rams](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/32LqHZrHAKYLTZidaVK8Cqa/37b12c86-d679-4074-855c-29b834676f55.JPG/r0_241_4928_3023_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
![Johnathon Dalla, Orrie Cowie, Waroola, SA with the supreme Poll Merino, awarded junior ram championship and champion August-shorn fine/medium ram
Johnathon Dalla, Orrie Cowie, Waroola, SA with the supreme Poll Merino, awarded junior ram championship and champion August-shorn fine/medium ram](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/32LqHZrHAKYLTZidaVK8Cqa/05a07769-3f63-475c-b203-a3a4a317e877.JPG/r0_405_4380_3187_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
![Brad Cartwright and Shannon Arnold parading the reserve champion Poll Merino sale ram bred in the Thalaba stud, Crookwell by John Williams. Brad Cartwright and Shannon Arnold parading the reserve champion Poll Merino sale ram bred in the Thalaba stud, Crookwell by John Williams.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/32LqHZrHAKYLTZidaVK8Cqa/d0270c50-f441-43a1-9604-1239c79ea3fd.JPG/r0_350_4052_3132_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)