A big first day at the 2019 Australian Sheep & Wool Show held in Bendigo.
Among the breeds judged were the English Leicester, South Suffolk, White Dorper and Hampshire Downs.
Each breed was well represented with the standard noted by the judges as improving, which is a compliment to the breeders dedicated to preserving essential genetic material.
Many of the heritage breeds have certain attributes which could be useful in the future to maintain genetic diversity among our sheep flocks.
Of note, besides the older generation of breeders, there are many young enthusiasts who see their preferred breed as not just a hobby but a determined effort to be involved in an interesting career.
There was always an appreciative gallery when each breed was being judged with the judges comments taken on board.