Two studs, from Tasmania and Victoria, came together at this year’s Sheep and Wool Show to exhibit the Champion Southdown ram of the show.
The connection between the two studs came about when Fairbank, Hagley, Tas, owner Chris Badcock, sold a half share in the ram to Andrew Sellars-Jones, Chandpara, Tylden.
The ram, sired by NZ sire Mapua, had been used in both flocks, with about 200 lambs on the ground.
Chandpara had success in its own right with the reserve champion Southdown ram and was awarded the most successful exhibitor prize.
Mr Sellars-Jones said the August 2017 drop reserve champion ram was also best yearling ram.
He said it was the young ram’s show debut after being “a standout as a lamb”. The ram was by Fairbank 604 with a dam back to Clifton Downs 241/10.
In the ewe section Chandpara tasted success with champion ewe and reserve champion ewe.
Mr Sellars-Jones said the champion ewe (sired by Clifton Downs 241/10) was due to lamb to the champion ram within a week.
Judge, Colin Taylor, Timboon, was looking for well put together sheep with a lot of meat and muscle.
“I also wanted sheep that walked well and the champion ram was a very meaty and muscly sheep.
“The Southdown is a meat breed and known for its ease of lambing and quick maturing and these sheep show those attributes.”
