A South Australian stud has stolen the limelight from the leading Victorian Texel studs, at this year’s Australian Sheep and Wool Show.
Willaren, Millicent, SA, took out the Supreme Champion exhibit with its winning ram.
The June, 2017-drop ram weighed 88.5kilograms and had figures of 12mm of fat and a muscle area of 50mm.
Stud principal Bill Agnew said the ram had gone up against a large class and he was happy with the result.
“We didn’t think we would get champion,” Mr Agnew said.
“He was a pretty good ram but there were a lot of other good rams there too.”
The ram might now be sold if offers were made.
“The judge loved his wool, his muscling and balance – the whole three came together.”
Willaren’s Karen Agnew said the ram was from the stud’s own bloodlines.
A 2017 drop ram, his grandsire was Champion ram at the 2014 ASWS.
“Some rams just have a presence and style, he’s a well balanced, even ram,” Ms Agnew said.
Judge James Corcoran, Gooramma Poll Dorsets, Galong, NSW, said he was very impressed by all the livestock in the competition.
But he said the ram stood out as a quality animal.
“Certainly Texels are renowned for their high yields and doability,” Mr Corcoran said.
“That’s what I wanted to emphasise in my decisions – those commercial traits, meat yield and their ability to work.”
“I think the Supreme exhibit ticked all those boxes.”
Mr Corcoran said the ram had the structural quality of a sire.
“Along with that you want to have that muscle but it’s also important to have that little bit of fat.”
Mr Corcoran said condition was important in dry years, as animals needed to have an energy source.
“People are looking for that and looking for an animal, which can take Texels to the next chapter.”
Mertex won Champion ewe.
