When considering the champion ram and champion ewe for supreme of Dorper breed judge Nick Pagett, Winrea Dorpers, Canowindra admitted it wasn’t an easy decision as each of the sheep paraded before him were “perfect”.
“It is always hard to compare, but I gave the supreme to the ram for his overall finish but that is not to say the ewe was inferior,” he said.
The supreme exhibit, the grand champion ram who had been senior champion was bred and exhibited by Marius Loots, Prieska Dorpers, Peak Hill.
Mr Loots thought his ram sired by the champion at the Sheep and Wool Show in 2016 “nearly perfect”.
“His grandsire was also national champion in 2014,” Mr Loots said.
Judge Nick Pagett considered the ram for his masculine head which is very important trait indicating the prepotency of the ram.
“He is also full of meat and a real masculine shape,” he said.
- Reserve senior champion ram – Dell Dorpers, Moama
- Junior champion ram – Kaya, WA
- Reserve junior champion ram – Dumisa, Moama
The ewe grand championship was awarded to Andrea van Niekerk, Dell Dorpers, Moama for her ewe which had been judged senior champion Dorper ewe.
Ms Niekerk thought her ewe has great length and femininity, traits she is instilling in her flock.
“She has been flushed and we have her progeny in our flock,” she said.
“She is a really lovely type of Dorper ewe.
Ms Niekerk said the sire of the champion ewe Dell Mickey is one of the outstanding sires in her stud, breeding well.
“We are very pleased with the style of his progeny,” she said.
The dam of the grand champion ewe is a proven breeder, still breeding as an eight year old.
Reserve senior champion ewe – Dell Dorper, Moama
Junior champion ewe – Dell Dorper, Moama
Reserve junior champion ewe – Devon Meadows, Cranbourne, Victoria