Governor's Cup to Squires family

The Squires family of Quairading have once again been awarded the Governor's Cup at the Perth Royal Show.

This year marks the fourth time the Squires family have won top honours at the show, presented to the exhibitor who receives the most points across the sheep, cattle, horse, goat and alpaca exhibits.

In 2012 they drew the top honours with Elgin-based Bandeeka cattle stud.

Chris Squires and sons Adrian and Sascha this year exhibited 70 sheep across the two breeds of Prime SAMM and Poll Dorsets, from their Shirlee Downs and Dongadilling studs. The Squires also this year won the interbreed competition for a Poll Dorset ram from the Dongadilling stud.

"The Governor's Cup is the pinnacle of the show for us," stud co-principal Adrian Squires said.

"We don't expect to win, but it's such an honour when we do."

Mr Squires attributed their success to "trying to breed sheep for the industry".

"We are constantly looking for ways to improve our flock," he said.

"We try to get as much yield and meat as possible, as quickly as possible."

Despite winning the important award, Mr Squires said there would be no formal celebration.

"After a week away at the show, we have far too much sheep work to catch up on," he said.

The Squireses have been exhibiting Prime Samms and Poll Dorsets at the Perth Royal Show since the 1980s.

In total there were 713 sheep exhibited across all breeds at the show, 80 more than last year. It is estimated that more than 40,000 people attended the 2014 show.