Montrose Hill is on a winning run with its first offering of Poll Merinos nabbing first place in the pen of three competition, as part of the Southern Victorian Merino Field Day.
Judges Brent Flood, Banavie Merinos, Marnoo, and Charlie Brumpton, Jolly Jumbuck, Queensland, crowned the 14 month-old rams the top title, ahead of seven competing studs.
Mr Flood said the Montrose Hill’s line-up reflected the stud’s breeding direction, with breeding consistency worthy of celebrating.
“It was a difficult decision – judging the eight studs’ that varied in micron, in conditions ran with some purely paddock-ran and some prepared in the shed on feed,” he said.
“All (studs) had the the goal of productivity for their clients in what can at times be harsh seasonal conditions in the Western District.
“We’ve seen horned and polls but for us the winning stud displayed magnificent whiteness of wool, which they need, and nourishment down here with this rainfall, (they were) correct on their feet, with a beautiful soft muzzle, loose skins and ultimately a heavy cutting wool-ability of fine and superfine wool.”
It was a solid accolade to be judged against some of Victoria’s most respected southern Merino breeders, made all the more sweet for George and Helen McKenzie who only ventured into Poll Merinos in recent years.
“I believe it says we’re on the right track – it substantiates what we’re doing,” Mr McKenzie said.
“We went into poll because of sheer demand.”
Southern Victorian Merino breeder Association president Pat Millear, Stud Park South, said hundreds of people visited the eight studs on display to “window shop” ahead of upcoming ram sale.
On display were some of the State’s best Merino genetics, including Stud Park South, Willaura, Stavely Park, Stavely, Boorana, Glenthompson, Ioness Poll, Lake Bolac, Mt Challicum, Ballyrogan, Coryule, Willowvale, Montrose Hill, Illabrook, and Wurrook, Rokewood.
“The eight studs all display their best rams, showing their tops of the drop,” he said.
“By visiting the studs, people can see what genetics are on offer that they can take to improve their flocks.
“As we know the wool market and sheep market is going from strength to strength, so it’s a great place to be.”
Coryule sheep classer, Bill Mildren, Wodonga, and friend Terry Young, Ararat, said the field day was a chance to compare and benchmark leading Victorian genetics.
The word of the day was “productive” with most visitors seeking heavy wool cutting Merino genetics.
