The Hamilton and Western District Sheep Show, held as part of Sheepvention, will draw more than 1000 sheep this year.
The Sheep Show reflects the diversity and history of sheep breeding in Australia, with representations from the heritage breeds, prime lamb breeds, dual purpose breeds and the wool breeds. Sheep Show and the Sheepvention Pen of Five Ram Sale coordinator Rosemary Langley said 127 studs, representing 17 different breeds, were bringing sheep from throughout Victoria, South Australia and NSW.
This year, Suffolks will be the feature breed and Aylesbury Farm White Suffolk Stud’s Andrew Kreig will be the judge. There are 113 sheep entered in the feature breed show.
The Merino section augments the strong representation of the Merino breed throughout the Sheepvention site – the Sheep Show, the Pen of Five Ram Sale, and individual stud trade displays.
Deva Weitman, Romsey, said they were planning on taking a team of 11 to represent Blue Rock Suffolk stud in the feature showing. Ms Weitman, who is also secretary of the Suffolk Sheep Society of Australia, said it was great to see Suffolks showcased in this way.
She said more studs were planning to bring and show their sheep.
“Suffolks as a whole are increasing in quality and number in the past few years, the breed as a whole is more focused on carcase traits and there is more demand for them as a terminal sure,” Ms Weitman said.
“They have good muscle definition and fat, and are early maturing – you can’t beat them.”
Ms Langley said the whole event was a “great showcase of many breeds”.
“We’re very central to a large sheep area, for both meat and wool breeds.”
Ms Langley said Merino entries were on par with last year’s numbers at around 170 and she said it was a credit to the Corriedale breeders to have managed to hold their entry numbers after being the feature breed next year.
She is excited to welcome back Drysdales to this year’s show, and she said in the second year Australian Whites had been shown at Sheepvention, a new stud had registered to bring the total number of entries to 18 for the breed.
All up, there will be 14 judges, and the timetable kicks off at 8.30am on Monday August 7 with the Poll Dorsets and then 9am for the other breeds. They finish Monday’s judging with the presentation Lyle Walter ASSBA Breeds Group trophy.
“The winning group of each of the ASSBA breeds comes out and it’s a huge display; it’s really worth a look.”
On Tuesday August 8, judging of the long and short wool classes of the interbreed judging is held.
