The reputation of the Great Southern Supreme Merino (GSSM) show in Canberra as one of the premier events showcasing outstanding Merino and Poll Merino sheep drew entries from across NSW, along with Victoria, SA and WA.
Chief steward Rick Power, noted show entries were on par with previous years with the standard of sheep displayed increasing with time.
After two days of exacting competition judges James Collins, “Mt Bute”, Linton, Rodney Kent, “Kurrajong Park”, Delungra and Andy Maclean, “Haddon Rig”, Warren, awarded supreme exhibit to the grand champion ram which had earlier been sashed champion March shorn fine wool ram. He was exhibited by Wal and George Merriman, Merryville stud, Boorowa, NSW.
Andy Maclean said the Merryville ram was given the nod for his great belly wool, length of staple and general outlook. “He was an exceptional ram,” he said.
The Merryville stud were also successful in exhibiting the grand champ Poll Merino ram along with the Roger Birtles March shorn group.
The junior champ ram and junior champ exhibit was paraded by Sean Ballinger, Waverley Downs Merinos, Delungra and his ram, whose fleece measured 17.7-micron had graduated through the fine wool classes.
Judge James Collins said the ram was “a big, strong ram with beautiful flank who carried an even fleece all over his body”. “The further we went down through his fleece he held his quality.”
The grand champion ewe was exhibited by Patrick and Andrew Davis, Demondrille Merinos, Harden and had been awarded champion March shorn fine wool ewe.
Junior champion Poll Merino ewe was paraded by Ian Griffith, Brundanella Merinos, Grenfell, while Ross Wells, Willandra Merinos, Jerilderie exhibited the grand champion Poll Merino ewe.
Mick Corkhill, Grassy Creek Merinos, Reids Flat, exhibited the winning March shorn pair.
Paul Walton, Wurrook stud, Rokewood, exhibited the champion August shorn ewe
