It was an exacting time for judge Nick Cole, Cloven Hills, Camperdown, judging the four sections of the Black and Coloured sheep at the 2019 Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo.
Speaking after the ram grand championship had been awarded to Anne Barnes, Werowna Park, Yass, NSW, for her fine wool ram, not showing more than two teeth, Mr Cole said the ram stood out above the competition.
"He was immediately recognisable when he came out his first class and he looked the part straight away," Mr Cole said.
The reserve grand champion ram, the champion strong wool ram showing more than two teeth was exhibited by Jan and Rob Brown, Jarob Farm, Amphitheatre.
The grand champion ewe was exhibited by Werowna Park, with her champion extra fine ewe, as well as the reserve grand champion ewe.
Extra fine champion ram and fine wool champion ram went to Werowna Park.
Medium wool champion ewe to Ronelle Welton, Bullengarook.
Medium wool champion ram to Mr Bechaz.
Strong wool champion ewe went to Jarob Farm.
The sash for Best Breeders Group in recognition of Sheila Kempson was awarded to Werowna Park.
Mr Cole complimented breeders and said there were some very good sheep presented before him.
"Getting three sheep is exceptionally hard...do you go for a team of champions or a champion team?" he asked.
"The winning team was the most even."
The Fraser Family Perpetual Trophy for junior champion ram was awarded to Mr Bechaz.
The reserve junior ram championship went to Werowna Park.
The positions were reversed when Ms Barnes' young ewe took the junior champion ewe sash and Mr Bechaz showed the reserve junior champion ewe.
"The standard of the sheep keeps on improving," Mr Cole said.