Boorowa district Merino studs took the honours during the 72nd Great Southern Supreme Merino show and sale held in Canberra.
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Coming out of what was generally considered the most even line of show sheep seen for a long time, a young ewe bred and exhibited by Guy Evans, Tara Park, Boorowa was judged supreme exhibit, against the Poll Merino ram paraded by Johnathon Dalla, Orrie Cowie, Waroola, SA.
Mr Evan’s ewe had been shown in the March-shorn medium/strong wool classes where she rose to be judged junior champion ewe and grand champion ewe of the show.
Graham Wells, formerly studmaster One Oak, Jerilderie now living at Smoko in Victoria judged the fine/medium wool classes and speaking after the judging of the supreme exhibit said the ewe was outstanding for the correctness of her conformation, with big barrel and good neck extension and carrying a heavy and soft handling fleece.
“It was her balance and structure which got her over the line against the Poll ram,” he said.
The Poll Merino ram had been successful in the August-shorn fine/medium wool classes before being judged supreme Poll Merino exhibit and junior champion ram.
Wal and George Merriman, Merryville, Boorowa were awarded the Roger Birtles Memorial Trophy for the group of three rams and two ewes March-shorn; this was their seventh success in that class.
In the August-shorn group class, Gary Cox, Langdene, Dunedoo overcame strong competition to take the sash against newcomer David Zouch, Hollow Mount, Bigga.
In the sale ring, it can only be described as a disappointing event for the studmasters who have put a lot of effort into breeding and preparing their rams for sale to see so little interest.
Many rams did not attract a bid, and it is difficult to understand woolgrowers reluctance when wool and sheep prices are at very good levels although many would have been feeding their sheep for a long time with no end in sight.
The top price at $5000 was achieved twice with Merryville and Michael Corkhill, Grassy Creek, Reids Flat sharing the honours.
Mr Corkhill was philosophical about the result, and said he met the market although he would have liked to see greater interest, not just for himself but for all vendors.
Rick Power, Landmark stud stock auctioneer thought the sale was tough enough.
“It was a magnificent lineup of rams,” he said.
- For complete list of show results see The Land online.
- For a full show and sale report see The Land next week.
