SHEEP judging looks set for a strong future if the performance of Echunga's Royce Pitchford in the Merino ram young judges competition is anything to go by.
A previous winner of the under-15 section, Royce received his first Len J Anderson Trophy ahead of runner-up Daniel Lutz, Pasadena, and Helane Blieschke, Melrose.
Royce said he looked for animals most desired by the industry when ranking the rams.
"I was looking for sheep that carried a high quantity and quality of fleece, with nice, white wool and a consistency throughout the fleece," he said.
"It's also important that they stand well and have good shape - you have to relate it back to what the industry is looking for."
Royce is more experienced with evaluating Corriedales, having started his own stud, Lushford.
He said while he is used to focusing more on ASBVs when selecting stock for his stud, visual selection was still an important skill to have.
Showing his versatility in the judging ring, Daniel Lutz's second-place finish added to his wins in the Prime SAMM and meat sheep young judges competitions.
Third-placegetter Helane Blieschke is also no stranger to judging success, finishing second last year and winning the achievement award in 2012.
* Full report in Stock Journal, September 18, 2014 issue.
Jacinta Rose
Stock Journal's online editor.
Stock Journal's online editor.
