Merinos shine at Balmoral sheep show

The Nhill-based stud’s rising two year-old ram beat over 100 other exhibits, and took the supreme championship over the champion ewe, exhibited by Glenpaen Merino and Poll Merino stud, Brimpaen.

Glendonald stud principal Robert Harding said it was an honour to take out the championship at one of Victoria’s best sheep shows.

It was the ram’s first show-win, and was one that took Mr Harding by surprise, particularly given the current strength in the industry.

“There were a lot of other good exhibits, and there was another ram in particular that was pretty close, it could have gone either way,” Mr Harding said.

He said it was luck that got his ram over the line.

“For a strong wool ram, he’s a good, long-bodied ram, with good depth of body, and long-stapled, white, strong wool,” he said.

He said the show is a good opportunity to network, and benchmark against other prominent Merino studs.

“The main reason I go to these shows is to support the Merino industry, it’s nice to be there among all the others in the industry,” he said.

Glenpaen stud principal Rod Miller said his champion ewe has been continuously improving, having performed well at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo last year.

“[She stood out] because of her length of staple, and overall size and wool cut,” Mr Miller said.

Having exhibited at Balmoral for over 20 years, he said taking out champion ewe helps to lift the profile of your stud.

He said at this stage, they would probably do an artificial insemination, and even an embryo transfer program, with the ewe.

The reserve grand champion ram was awarded to Oakbank Merino stud, St Arnaud, while reserve grand champion ewe was won by Montrose Hill Merino stud, Illabrook.

Most successful exhibitor was also taken out by Oakbank.

The show conducted a junior sheep judging competition, with Harry Miller taking out first place, Ben Hartwick taking out second, and Tim Hartwich winning third place.