THE Prime SAMM supreme exhibit awarded at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show left judge Mat Lacey of Griffith, NSW, gushing with excitement for the breed's future.
The broadribbon was given to a one-year-old ram from Erindale, Lake Cargelligo, NSW, who beat breed competitors Homfeld SAMM, Colbinabbin, and Lawral Park Prime SAMMs, Ungarra, SA.
"What I look at for a typical SAMM ram -- known as a dual-purpose animal -- is great wool cover, great carcase and long bodied that will produce for anyone wanting to use as a first-cross ram," Mr Lacey said.
"He is a great ram that I think offers a complete package that reflects what the breed is all about.
"I found it easy to judge him because he stands up so well with a beautiful, great wool cut and great cover that is an all-round ram that you would want running in your front paddock."
Erindale also won champion ewe.
Campbell Lawrie of Lawral Park was hot on the heels of the Erindale exhibits, going home with both reserve champion ewe and lamb.
"The quality of the sheep presented is unreal," Mr Lacey said.
"The breed is developing and going so far forward, we are seeing the breeders themselves going well with improving the wool and carcase traits that has seen better wool cut that is not impacting the carcase.
"By these studs showing the quality SAMM sheep, it's a good publicity for the breed."
Pictured are Erindale co-principal Tony Hayward, judge Mat Lacey and Neil Hayward with their supreme exhibit and champion ewe.
Annabelle Beale
National Sheep & Wool Writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media
National Sheep & Wool Writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media
