A big first day at the 2019 Australian Sheep & Wool Show held in Bendigo.
Among the breeds judged were the English Leicester, South Suffolk, White Dorper and Hampshire Downs.
Each breed was well represented with the standard noted by the judges as improving, which is a compliment to the breeders dedicated to preserving essential genetic material.
Many of the heritage breeds have certain attributes which could be useful in the future to maintain genetic diversity among our sheep flocks.
Of note, besides the older generation of breeders, there are many young enthusiasts who see their preferred breed as not just a hobby but a determined effort to be involved in an interesting career.
There was always an appreciative gallery when each breed was being judged with the judges comments taken on board.
Among the prime lamb and heritage breeds - day one|Photos
George Willows, Evandale, Tasmania with his reserve champion English Leicester ram, judge John Beattie and Colin Taylor, Koernal, Timboon with his champion ram.
Judge John Beattie, Yarrawonga sashing the champion Englsih Leicester ewe exhibited by Colin Taylor, Koernal, Timboon.
Judge John Beattie, Yarrawonga, Victoria sashing the supreme exhibit English Leicester, the champion ram exhibited by Colin Taylor, Koernal, Timboon, Victoria.
Reserve junior champion White Dorper ewe bred by Cherilyn Lowe, Nomuula, Moonbi, NSW and paraded by Sara Winn and the junior champion White Dorper ewe bred by Aberline stud, Hay War Memorial High School, Hay and paraded by Lucy Shea.
Reserve champion senior White Dorper ewe exhibited by Alex Glinski, Wirlinga Park, Albury, NSW and the senior champion White Dorper ewe exhibited by Andrea Vagg, Africans White Dorper, Moama, NSW.
Grand champion White Dorper ewe - judge Stephanus Malan, South Africa, sponsor Jade Taylor, Datamars, Brisbane and exhibitor Andrea Vagg, Africans White Dorpers, Moama, NSW.
Judge Robert Grieve, Hillend Dorset Horn stud, Clarkes Hill, Victoria sashing the supreme South Suffolk exhibit, the champion ewe exhibited by Barry Shalders, Willow Drive, Grassmere, Victoria.
Ainslie Christie presenting the Colin Christie Trophy for supreme South Suffolk to Barry Shalders, Willow Drive, Grassmere, Victoria watched by judge Robert Grieve, Hillend Dorset Horn, Clarkes Hill, Victoria. Colin Taylor in the background with Barry Shalder's champion South Suffolk ram.
Judge Jeff Johnson, Eurack, Victoria sashing the champion Hampshire Downs ram exhibited by Mathew Hill, Aurora Park, St Helens Plains, Victoria.
Mathew Hill, Aurora Park, St Helens Plains, Victoria with his champion Hampshire Downs ewe sashed by judge Jeff Johnson, Eurack, Victoria.
Judge Jeff Johnson, Eurack, Victoria presenting most successful exhibitor in the Hampshire Downs breed to Mathew Hill, Aurora Park, St Helens Plains, Victoria who has the supreme exhibit while Emily Humphrey holds the champion Hampshire Downs ewe also bred by Mathew Hill.
Judge Stephanus Malan with the reserve senior champion White Dorper ram exhibited by Andrea Vagg, Dumisa White Dorpers, Moama, NSW and senior champion ram paraded by Aidan Veitch, Kaya White Dorpers, Narrogin, WA.
Supreme White Dorper exhibit - judge Stephanus Malan, South Africa, sponsor Courtney Harris, Shearwell Australia and breeder Andrea Vagg, Africans White Dorper, Moama with her grand champion ewe.
Tucking in for breakfast!
English Leicesters, a heritage breed.
Line up for handlers class in the White Dorper section.
Lineup for the handlers class in the White Dorper section.
Georgia Booth, Hay War Memorial High School, Hay - first place in the handlers class of the White Dorper section.
A superb English Leicester fleece!
Judging an English Leicester class.
Judge John Beattie, Yarrawonga, Victoria discussing the champion English Leicester ram with breeder Colin Taylor, Koernal, Timboon, Victoria.
Gavin Wall interviewing George Willows, Evandale, Tasmania after his English Leicester ram had been awarded the reserve ram championship.
English Leicester twin lambs staying close to Mum!
Colin Taylor, Koernal, Timboon, Victoria with his supreme English Leicester exhibit admired by judge John Beattie, Yarrawonga, Victoria.
The story Among the prime lamb and heritage breeds - day one|Photos first appeared on The Land.
