A SET of fresh faces burst onto the Wiltipoll scene at the NSW Sheep Show in Dubbo.
Westmoreland Wiltipolls made their debut on the show circuit and immediately made a splash taking home a swag of ribbons.
The only thing that made Westmoreland stud principals Jeff Lucas and Julie Huie's maiden showing all the more special was to do it with their mentors and good friends Ian Hopwood and Loris Dunyer of Reavesdale Wiltipolls by their side.
"Our very first time putting a halter on a sheep was only two months ago and to us, it was like opening the shoot at the rodeo as the sheep just took off," Ms Huie said.
"However, our sheep came along quite quickly and Loris and Ian have been invaluable to us with all the support they have offered us along the way.
"We honestly wouldn't be here without them and to have shared the awards like we did during this show and share the stage with them was a real treat for us."
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Fellow stud principal Jeff Lucas said a strong result at the NSW Wiltipoll sale in February was the inspiration behind the judging debut.
"We got the top (price) ram and the top (price) ewe and I suppose that really cemented to us that we were doing something right," Mr Lucas said.
"Ian and Loris have encouraged us all the way and early last year we had intended to come to Dubbo but COVID-19 stopped us, so it was pleasing to be able to come this year. We are very proud with how this show has gone for us."
The Westmoreland duo will now look to build on their success at the Australian Wool and Sheep Show in Bendigo before setting their sights on more NSW shows.
"We will probably have a go at Bathurst show next year," Ms Huie said.
"We didn't go this year because it was so close to Dubbo and we wanted to have our mentors here with us for our first show, but will certainly be looking to be at Bathurst next year.
"It is our local show and will hopefully be a good chance for us to build our brand with local producers."
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Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
