A "magnificent" ultrafine Merino team exhibited by the Rayner family's Grathlyn stud at Hargraves, NSW, earned top titles in the ultrafine Merino showring at this year's Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo.
Grathlyn picked up both the ultrafine grand champion ram and ewe sashes, with the progeny of champion Grathlyn genetics.
The 15.6-micron ram was by the ASWS 2019 grand champion ultrafine ram, while the 14.1-micron ewe was by Conrayn Thor - the 2018 Sydney Royal Show grand champion ultrafine ewe.
Judge Clive Pearson, Glenbrook Merino stud, Armidale, NSW, described the champion ram as a "magnificent ultrafine Merino".
"He is very, very correct structurally and holds himself well," Mr Pearson said.
"It is a well-earned ribbon because he is so balanced and has such magnificent ultrafine fleece."
He said the reserve Poll Merino ram was awarded to a four-tooth, exhibited by Hillcreston Park, Bigga, NSW, which was applauded for its stand-out fleece, "but didn't have the wool handle of the champion".
The Grathlyn 14.1-micron ewe earned the top female title, praised by Mr Pearson for her "softness and good carcase all over".
"We are thrilled with the results," Grathlyn stud principal Andrew Rayner said.
Reserve champion ewe went to a 14.8-micron four-tooth, exhibited by the Lette family of Conrayn Merino stud, Berridale, NSW.
The "super dam" has been used in an extensive embryo transfer program, with principal Peter Lette regarding her as an "outstanding representation of the breed".
"This wool - the style and handle is perfect," he said.
The ewe's fleece had a 2 standard deviation, 13.5 coefficient of variation and 100 per cent comfort factor.
The ultrafine poll ewe champion was by Bocoble Merino stud, Eumungerie, NSW.
"She's one of the best ultrafine poll ewes," Mr Pearson said.
Annabelle Cleeland
Annabelle Cleeland is Fairfax Media’s national sheep and wool writer. Annabelle joined the Fairfax team in 2012 to nurture her love of Australian agriculture. She began as the Victorian western district reporter at Stock & Land before taking on a senior position as a journalist reporting on all industries statewide. Annabelle’s appetite to report on issues which affect the sheep and wool industry has seen her travel to many parts of Australia and abroad. She is excited to spin industry yarns during a period of substantial demand for the sheepmeat and wool industries. Annabelle enjoys horse riding and climbing mountains, and is a lazy supporter of the Geelong Football Club.
Annabelle Cleeland is Fairfax Media’s national sheep and wool writer. Annabelle joined the Fairfax team in 2012 to nurture her love of Australian agriculture. She began as the Victorian western district reporter at Stock & Land before taking on a senior position as a journalist reporting on all industries statewide. Annabelle’s appetite to report on issues which affect the sheep and wool industry has seen her travel to many parts of Australia and abroad. She is excited to spin industry yarns during a period of substantial demand for the sheepmeat and wool industries. Annabelle enjoys horse riding and climbing mountains, and is a lazy supporter of the Geelong Football Club.
