WATTLE Farm Border Leicesters’ success at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show was the kind some stud breeders only dream of.
Judge and Border Leicester Murray Brown, Forbes, NSW, sashed the Temora, NSW champion ram, ewe and group ahead of nearly 170 sheep exhibits.
The Supreme Border Leicester exhibit was sashed to Wattle Farm JJ, a yearling son of Geraldine Gladiator 1st.
It was tough going separating him from his stud-mate Wattle Farm Twilight, a yearling which was awarded the junior champion ewe sash.
However, Twilight’s pipped JJ at the post during the Interbreed judging and continued her through to win the Supreme Australian Long Wool Exhibit.
The daughter of champion sire Coolawang Impact, a bloodline with prior success at Wattle Farm, was regarded as a “show stopper”.
These two champion exhibits teamed-up to form the Wattle Farm group, including another Impact daughter, which were sashed the champion group of one ram and two ewes.
“It was a perfect day out,” Mr Sutton said.
“We may never see that kind of success happen in my life time that is ten years’ worth of work.
“We are humbled and we never expected to do so well.”
Graham and Isabella Grinter's Retallack Border Leicester, Ariah Park, NSW had a solid performance, winning reserve junior champion ram and ewe, reserve champion ewe, before taking out the most successful exhibitor award.
Graham and Isabella Grinter's Retallack Border Leicester, Ariah Park, NSW had a solid performance, winning reserve junior champion ram and ewe, reserve champion ewe and the most successful exhibitor award.
Retallack also won ‘The Oaks’ trophy for a “consistent” group of four.
“You can see the changes among the breeders and everyone is moving forward,” Mr Brown said.
“I was encouraged to see what it was ten years ago to what is being shown today.
“The future looks good with the improvements studs are making at this level.”