A very classy young Poll Dorset ewe was judged the supreme dam exhibit in the prime lamb and dual-purpose breeds section of the 2019 Royal Canberra Show.
Bred at the Valley Vista Poll Dorset stud in Coolac by Andrew and Joe Scott, the supreme had been previously judged grand champion shortwool ewe having been sashed champion Poll Dorset ewe by judge Marshall Douglas, Abelene Park Poll Dorset stud, Woolomin.
Mr Douglas said she handled very well, with a lot of capacity through her loin and a bit more finish than the reserve champion Poll Dorset ewe shown by Scott Mitchell, Rene, Culcairn.
For the interbreed judging, where all champions were paraded, the Poll Dorset ewe was given the nod and was described by spokesperson for the judges, Brayden Gilmore, Baringa, Oberon, as a really lovely ewe.
"She is beautiful through the front, with a feminine head and well-balanced," he said.
"She is a terrific example of the Poll Dorset breed."
Mr Douglas pointed out it was important, when considering the various breeds for supreme exhibits, to understand the particular productive traits each was renowned for.
"We look at how well they represent their breed and also for structural correctness," he said.
After the ewe was sashed, James Gilmore, Tattykeel, Oberon, spoke for the judging team and said judging the supreme exhibit had been the hardest decision they made all day.
"She is a quality ewe, with an outstanding carcass and balance for a young sheep," he said.
"She has a great top line and a terrific loin and was hard to fault."
She has a great topline and a terrific loin and was hard to fault.
- Judge James Gilmore of Tattykeel, Oberon
Supreme prime lamb and dual-purpose breed ram was the Border Leicester ram exhibited by Simon Makeham, North-South stud, Wallendbeen.
He had been judged the grand champion longwool ram and was considered by judge Paul Jarick, Jume Border Leicesters, Jindera as a "very productive ram with a great sirey outlook."
The Scott family, Valley Vista Poll Dorsets, Coolac, were successful in taking the Fred Eldering Memorial Trophy sponsored by Jason Barker, Timor, Parkes, for supreme interbreed group.
In the Merino section, Wal and George Merriman, Merryville, Boorowa, were awarded the Koonwarra Trophy for March-shorn group while Pete and Cade Lette, Conrayn, Berridale, were awarded the Grogansworth Trophy for August-shorn group.
In the fleece competition, grand champion fleece of the show was awarded to the Davis family, Demondrille, Harden for their champion ewe fleece commercial which measured 16.7 micron and was valued by judge Greg Andrews at $103.95.
