SHOWING stalwarts Jim and Brenda Venters, Stonehaven ended an era of 26 years sheep showing at this year's Sheepvention, Hamilton.
For their final hurrah, the co-principals of renowned Corriedale stud, Liberton, took out the major broad ribbons in the ram judging before going on to nab the supreme interbreed long wool ram.
"We are very, very grateful," Mr Venters said.
"It is a bend in the road - showing is very demanding so we've decided not to prepare a show team in the future."
The supreme exhibit ram was praised by judge Claire Blackwood of Evandale, Tasmania for his bold traits and sought after growth for age.
Liberton finished on a high, showcasing a sheep team who had one of the stud's most triumphant shows to date as the most successful Corriedale exhibitor.
In total, Liberton won eight of the top ten titles, including best Corriedale group and all the junior titles.
It was a passing of the baton from the Venters who have donated genetics to Woodleigh School, Langwarrin South as part of a breed succession program.
The school's sheep showing team, represented by 12 students, won the supreme Corriedale ewe exhibit for a two year-old ewe, sired by a school-bred ram and a Liberton ewe.
The ewe went on to win the supreme interbreed long wool ewe title and made the record books as the first school to take-out a prestigious interbreed title.
School groups were competitive at the show with Ballarat Grammar, Wendouree securing reserve senior champion ewe.
