IT was a case of the student becoming the teacher in the Wiltipoll competition at the NSW Sheep Show as Westmoreland Wiltipoll stud claimed the champion ewe ribbon.
It was the first time the Central Tablelands operation had shown in Dubbo and to make the occasion even more special for stud directors Jeff Lucas and Julie Huie, the only other exhibitors in the competition were their mentors Ian Hopwood and Loris Dunyer of Reavesdale Wiltipoll stud, Murringo.
The two studs could not be separated as Reavesdale won the champion ram ribbon as well as the reserve champion ewe, while Westmoreland took out the reserve champion ram.
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So close was the competition, judge Jeff Burrows, Wattle Farm Border Leicester stud, Temora, could not separate the studs, instead awarding both a ribbon for most successful exhibitor.
"It is unusual for two exhibitors to share the award but both exhibitors brought quality sheep and it was very difficult to separate them," Mr Burrows said.
"I think it is just fantastic to see the guys from Westmoreland adding to the show scene and there were plenty of good vibes in the ring throughout the competition and it was really nice to be a part of."
Reavesdale stud director Ian Hopwood said the winning ram had a good temperament and growth rate.
"He's outperformed a lot of the other young rams at home and he is the makings of a good sire," Mr Hopwood said.
"From here, he will go back home for stud duties."
Westmoreland stud principal Julie Huie said the winning ewe's size and temperament set her apart from the competition.
"She is beautiful around the hindquarter, has a nice straight back and I think she ticks so many boxes," Ms Huie said.
"When you go through what the breed is supposed to look like she fits the bill to a tee."
Ms Huie said the was hopeful the ewe would continue to go from strength to strength for her next assignment.
"She will now go to the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo, so our focus will be getting her ready for that," she said.
"Being only young at seven months old, we will probably look to bring her back to Dubbo again next year and of course we will look to breed from her as well."
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