THERE was a first-time exhibitor in the Poll Dorset judging this year.
Marianne and Tim Ferguson, Mallee Park stud, Hopetoun, Vic, have shown at the Royal Melbourne Show and at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show. But to celebrate the Poll Dorset feature breed at this year's RAS, the couple decided to put their stock on display there.
"We just thought it would be a good way to get a bit more exposure for the stud," Mrs Ferguson said. She was very impressed with the RAS set-up.
"The facilities are fabulous and everyone has been so welcoming," Mrs Ferguson said.
"All the Poll Dorsets in the shed look great, everyone has presented their sheep so well.
"I think it's pretty important that when your breed is the feature breed that you have the shed full of them."
Mallee Park Poll Dorset Stud was founded in 1993 with the purchase of eight in-lamb ewes.
The Fergusons run their sheep on a 1600-hectare property, and also lease a further 240ha.
"We focus on breeding for clean points, well-muscled sheep, that have good length and hindquarters," Mr Ferguson said.
Mallee Park came fifth in the ram under 1.5 years - shorn and born on or after April 1 - class.
* Full report in Stock Journal, September 11, 2014 issue.
Paula Thompson
Stock Journal's markets editor.
Stock Journal's markets editor.
