The only Shropshire exhibitor at this year's Australian Sheep & Wool Show says praise for her sheep from New Zealand judge Tom Burrows was a " feather in her cap".
Marilyn Mangione, Clarendon stud, Strathbogie, said Mr Burrows' comments were recognition of all the hard work she had invested in the flock.
"I was very pleased to hear what Tom had to say, he didn't fault my ram and he didn't fault the ewe that came first," Ms Mangione said.
"I was so pleased, because I thought 'I've finally got there'.
"He has Corriedales, his daughter breeds the Shropshires, so in his family, they have had sheep for generations."
Ms Mangione said during the drought it was just "feed, feed, feed".
"I make sure they are in good health all the time, while learning, and doing it all on my own, as best as I can," she said.
Mr Burrows, North Canterbury, New Zealand, said the muscle tone of the ewe impressed him.
"I really liked that ewe," Mr Burrows said.
"The Shropshire is not a big carcase sheep
"We sell them into the hogget breeding industry in New Zealand, because they have a small lamb that grows.
"That's all those guys want, with no lambing troubles."
Mr Burrows said Ms Mangione's sheep were holding up the breed standard.
"Worldwide, they are not a numerous breed, there are a few in the United Kingdom and the States, but they are heritage listed in those countries," he said.
He said Ms Mangione's sheep were good examples of the breed.
"They are good, meaty sheep," he said.
Andrew Miller
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
