Six breeders paraded their sheep for competition in the Wiltshire Horn section of the 2019 Australian Sheep & Wool Show.
Judge Barry Shalders, a South Suffolk breeder from Willow Grove, Grassmere, was very impressed with the overall standard of the competition when he said it was a difficult choice when it came to deciding the supreme exhibit.
In the end he awarded the sash to the champion ewe, successful in the one and half years and over class exhibited by Jason O'Loghlin, O'Loghlin Wiltshire Horn stud, Deniliquin, NSW.
When comparing the champion ram and the champion ewe for supreme, Mr Shalders noted he had two very good Wiltshire Horn sheep in front of him with qualities any breeder would be proud of.
"The ewe is a proven breeder, a very meaty type and she takes your eye," he said.
"She is the type who will be a very good breeder."
The ewe was given the supreme nod over the champion ram, also exhibited by the stud.
That ram was successful in the one and half years and over class and was described by Mr Shalders as having the right shape for a Wiltshire Horn sire and good meat covering.
"He holds himself well, with a lot of meat over the backend and depth of body," he said.
Mr O'Loghlin also exhibited the reserve champion ram, a twin brother to the champion.
In the ewe classes, a one and half year ewe and under class winner, exhibited by O'Loghlin was awarded the reserve grand championship.
Four studs lined up for the group of one ram and two ewes under one and half years which was won by the O'Loghlin stud, who were also successful in winning the Leo Harwood Memorial Trophy for Best Wiltshire Horn group for their team of three over one and half years.
Mr Shalders said he liked to see the pair of ewes match up with the ram where possible, and the winning group from O'Loghlin were the best on the day.
"The Wiltshire Horn breed is known for its shedding characteristics which is appealing for those looking for an easy care sheep but with a good carcase," he said.
"I think the quality of the meat covering has improved over the past few years."