Grand champion fine ram
Grand champion fine wool ram of the show was awarded to Langdene stud, Dunedoo, NSW.
Judge Kip Grey, Stockman stud manager, Melton Mowbray, Tasmania, was impressed by the ram’s spring of rib, bright muzzle and purity throughout.
The bidders at the Merino sale on Monday were equally impressed, and bid competitively to drive the price to the sale-top of $15,000.
Langdene principal Garry Cox said the ET bred ram was sired by Langdene 11-0075, and had previously won champion fine wool ram of Merino Great Southren at Canberra in January
“He’s an example of what we’re trying to breed, with a great frame, long staple, well nourished wool,” Mr Cox said.
Reserve went to Nerstane.
Grand champion fine ewe
Wurrook’s grand champion fine wool ewe went onto be Merino supreme exhibit.
Principal Paul Walton, Rokewood, said the winning fine wool ewe was sired by Merryville Hamilton Giant, who also sired the Wurrook ram that topped last year’s Merino showing and other champions. The six-tooth, August-shorn entry came out of a ewe of Wurrook’s Monarch family and carried wool figures of 17.5 micron, 2.5 standard deviation, 14.3 co-efficient of variation and 99.7 per cent comfort factor.
Judge Kip Grey said beautiful ewe was well balanced, with a great back-line, stood very correctly and had supple skin. He said the ewe’s quality wool was carried down to its tips and its scale put it over Nerstane in reserve.
