Young Poll Dorset ram 'visually flawless'

Hillden principal Brian Frost, a Poll Dorset breeder of 44 years, said the April 2013-drop ram, Hillden 210, had performed well since lambing and recorded impressive growth figures of 75 kilograms at five months old.

On show day, the young ram was regarded as visually flawless and displayed an eye muscle area (EMA) of 54 millimetres.

Handler Anthony Frost said his EMA was one of the highest in the breed on the day.

Hillden 210 sired lambs born in May-June, which the Frosts said showed great potential.

"His overall presence is dominating and masculine so he should breed-on very well because of his sire appearance," Mr Frost said.

"His appearance together with his scanned figures makes him an overall package."

While the Hillden ram was a highlight in the showring, judge Geoff Davey of Kerang said it was down to a whisker between the champion ewe presented by Andrew and Donna Scott of Valley Vista Park Poll Dorsets, Coolac, NSW.

Mr Davey praised the "beautiful" ewe's visual display of exceptional muscling, correctness and trueness of type.

"She was an outstanding exhibitor that didn't do much wrong -- she paraded well with good muscling right through and very, very good style that will go on to breed very well," Mr Davey said.

The stud is one half of a two-pronged family operation -- including Valley Vista Park which is run by Andrew's sons Joe, James and Luke Scott, and Valley Vista.

It was their most successful show to date, with the family's team of 17 sheep returning home with 17 ribbons including reserve champion ram as well as first places in Balmoral Class Shorn Ram under 1.5-year-old, June-drop ram class and woolly ewe under 1.5 years, who went on to win the champion ewe.

"It finished as the best outing we have had and we think it was the best show team we have presented," Mr Scott said.

Photos from the ASWS Poll Dorset judging

The Scotts were also awarded the prestigious Ian Bucknall award, a highly sought-after perpetual award for over two decades, for their April 2013-drop ram -- the grandson of Derby Downs Miracle.

The young ram was regarded as a standout, recording 83kg at six months-old, who now has an EMA of 28.34mm and fat 6mm.

Mr Scott said the event win, which needs to be won three times for a stud to receive the official award, made the stud determined to defend their title next year.

During the day-long judging, industry stalwart Geoff Poyner, Strathalbyn, SA, was awarded life membership of the Victorian Poll Dorset Committee for his 40 years commitment to the industry.

He was awarded the membership by Laurie Thompson of Gartlee Poll Dorset stud, Myrniong, who commended Mr Poyner's years of service he has devoted to attending meetings, stewarding and in the breeding industry.