Ballarat hosts is 135th annual Sheep Show and Merino ram sale, later this month.
Ram sale chairman and sheep show committee member Ross Dickinson said it was expected top breeders would be exhibiting at the show, and staying on for the sale.
“To win the Supreme Champion Merino exhibit is an aim of many a Merino breeder; we get the best of the best at our show and many then stay on to sell rams the next day at our ram sale,” Mr Dickinson said.
Buyers attend from across the country to purchase new rams for the coming season and it’s sensational.”
Committee chairman John Harbour said world class sheep, lambs, fleece, and several rare breeds would also be on show.
“This year our feature breed is the Corriedale, a great dual purpose animal that produces both wool and meat,” Mr Harbour said.
“We are expecting some outstanding animals in this class this year.”
The Committee have continued to support many heritage sheep breeds, not often seen at other locations, including the Lincoln, Hampshire Downs, Dorset Horn and Wiltipol.
“If you want to see some special sheep then save the date and come on down to the show.
“It’s free for the public and you can learn about the breeds from the farmer,” Mr Harbour said.
Ballarat Grammar students, starting from grade four, will show Corriedales, with father and son team, Peter and Daniel Rogers judging the medium wool breeds.
Another young star who will be busy at this event is 2015 Corriedale Young Ambassador, Grace Calder, who at only 23 has her own successful Corriedale Stud, started when at secondary school.
“I really look forward to the Ballarat Sheep Show; it’s a friendly event with some amazing sheep on show.
“I would encourage sheep producers to enter and everyone to come along and see what it’s all about,” Ms Calder said.
The show will be held at the Ballarat Showgrounds, on July 25 and 26.
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