For the first time in more than a decade, a SA stud has taken out the Rabobank Australian Supreme Merino ram at the Merino National Show and Sale at Dubbo, NSW.
The Meyer family's Mulloorie stud at Brinkworth and Tintinara received the huge accolade ahead of rams from Qld, Vic and NSW.
Earlier this month at the Northern Merino Expo the ram - tag number 792 - earned the right to represent SA. It had already been judged champion medium wool ram at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show at Bendigo, Vic.
A half brother, which stood second to it in Jamestown, was judged the supreme exhibit at Dubbo, coming through the strong wool classes. The five judges were all unanimous that it was an "oustanding type".
Paul Meyer said the Dubbo double rated highly among their show successes.
"When it is some of the best sheep in Australia and so many stud breeders casting their opinion over the rams, to come out on top is a real honour," he said.
"Last year with Lewy we had our first supreme in Adelaide (Show) but to come here and get supreme exhibit with one ram and then Australian supreme with another ram is a pretty hard thing to do."
Mr Meyer said their national champion - which was not shown in the general classes - was a stud reserve although semen is available. Its next outing will be next month's Royal Adelaide Show.
"He is really special for the quality of wool that he is carrying on such a large frame, so good on his feet and legs, width through the hindquarters, width of rib, great purity through the head and a clean poll," he said.
-CATHERINE MILLER
Rebecca Nadge
Bec is livestock editor for The Land. She has previously worked for Stock & Land in Victoria, the ABC in Kununurra, and newspapers in Kalgoorlie and New Zealand. Contact her at bec.nadge@theland.com.au
Bec is livestock editor for The Land. She has previously worked for Stock & Land in Victoria, the ABC in Kununurra, and newspapers in Kalgoorlie and New Zealand. Contact her at bec.nadge@theland.com.au
