Squiers claim sixth Governor’s Cup

On the top of a terrific season for its sheep, the Squiers family was awarded its sixth Governor’s Cup at the IGA Perth Royal Show.

Presented by WA Governor Kerry Sanderson on Saturday, the award is a highlight of the closing ceremonies after seven days of livestock competitions.

The Squiers family, who farm sheep at Quairading and have regularly attended the show since 1988, amassed the most points this year, exhibiting both Prime SAMM and Poll Dorset sheep.

The Governor’s Cup competition includes sheep, cattle, horse, goat and alpaca exhibits.

Chris Squiers and his sons, Adrian and Sascha, who run Shirlee Downs and Dongadilling studs, exhibited more than 70 sheep.

The family won many of the top awards, including supreme champion Prime SAMM and supreme champion interbreed with a Dongadilling Poll Dorset ewe.

“It was a great show for us,” Mr Squiers said. “The season was very kind this year, which allowed easier preparation for our sheep to be competitive at the show.”

Mr Squiers said while sheep are for the most part outperformed financially by cropping enterprises, running livestock can be a very stable income.

“Our breeding challenge is to concentrate on getting sheep off quicker through high growth rates because in the end we only get paid on weight,” he said.