A COMPETITION looking at meeting the commercial trade and export markets was introduced this year.
The interbreed lamb production terminal (export) and interbreed lamb production terminal (trade) competitions take two rams under 1.5 years and use Lambplan and visual assessment to find the most suitable sires for the two different markets.
The rams are then judged on five categories including the objective measurements for growth, fat and muscle, testicular firmness, market suitability and skin, with marks given out of a possible 250.
The winner of the export competition was Ulandi Park Poll Dorsets, Marrabel.
Principals Clayton and Andrea Rowett said they selected the two rams which suited the export dollar.
Their goal was to breed quality sheep and appeal to a wide range of markets.
Mr Rowett said the objective nature of the competition was a good way to ensure quality.
"Objective measurements are very important," he said.
This helped stop concerns about show sheep being suitable only for the showring," he said.
"This is about what the industry needs and what we're trying to do with our sheep."
The traits the competition judged were the traits the market was looking for, such as growth, carcase and skins.
"It's all about market suitability," Mr Rowett said. "Commercially that is the focus for the prime lamb industry."
The Ulandi Park rams gained a total 222.78 points, including 29 out of 30 for market suitability.
They were just above the second-placed Anden White Suffolk Stud, Willangie, Vic, on 221.68 points.
Third were Jess and Alistair Sutherland, Konongwootong, Vic, on 217.96 points.
In the trade competition, fellow Poll Dorset breeders Leenala Poll Dorsets, Naracoorte, were first in a very narrow victory.
On 218.83 points, they just topped Steve and Deborah Milne, Waratah White Suffolks, Branxholme, Vic, on 218.67 points.
Third went to Bundara Downs White Suffolks, Bordertown, on 217.6 points.
* Full report in Stock Journal, September 11, 2014 issue.
