QUALITY South Suffolks presented by the two exhibitors at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show last Friday made it a challenge for judge Geoff Gale of Monarto, South Australia, to crown one supreme winner.
But the victory went to Willow Drive principal Barry and Jill Shalders' veteran performer, Willow Drive G150 -- a 2.5-year-old ewe that had well-conditioned twin lambs at-foot.
The supreme ewe beat her stablemate ram lamb, who clinched the Shalders' champion ram ribbon.
"The young ram was a very meaty animal that carried himself well but the older girl was doing a very good job of carrying her twins so she was hard to go past," Mr Gale said.
During the event, the judge praised the ewe for her conformation, highlighting her stance, smooth shoulder, long body, hindquarter and meaty loin.
Stud opposition, Amanda and Steve Conley of Gotta Rock, The Rock, were close on their heels taking home all the reserves and most successful exhibitor for the breed.
"While there wasn't a lot of numbers, there were enough sheep in each class to justify their place," Mr Gale said.
Pictured are Mr Gale with Mr Shalders holding supreme ewe Willow Drive G150, and Yanco Agricultural High School livestock handlers Samuel Thomas and Emma Kuerschner.
Annabelle Beale
National Sheep & Wool Writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media
National Sheep & Wool Writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media
