WA Merino and Poll Merino studs fly the flag at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo

WA bred Merino and Poll Merino sheep were highly awarded at the 143rd Australian Sheep and Wool Show at Bendigo in Victoria..

Promoted as the world’s largest of its type, with the best of the best Australian sheep, the annual show was back from July 15 to 17 “in full swing” with the mantra “third time’s a charm“ after a two year absence from COVID-19 restrictions.

The prestigious show brings the best breeders of prime lamb and wool genetics together with about 3000 sheep from five States on show, all vying for the champion ribbons for each breed, which has become a national benchmarking showpiece.

Classes ranged from supreme interbreed meat breeds and supreme Merino or Poll Merino of the show, plus industry standard-setters such as Merino National Pairs and National Fleece competition competitions.

A total of 45 Merino and Poll Merinos from WA made their way across the Nullarbor through the efforts of co-ordinators Rob and Lee-Ann Mullan, of Wickepin, and Ashley Lock, of Narrogin and livestock driver Paul Williams, of Mt Barker.

Mr Mullan said WA’s Merino and Poll Merino entries had an “equal best” showing compared to previous years.

“Everyone was very enthusiastic after a two years of the show being cancelled from COVID,” he said.

“Overall Merino sheep entry numbers were down by 150 head, but there was still a good number of more than 600 sheep that were judged over two days.”

Mr Mullan said WA was consistent grand champion award winners in the medium and strong wool classes.

“We were pleased to be awarded the Grand Champion Medium Wool Ram of the Show for our August shorn Merino ram sired by Collinsville Gladiator,” he said.

The Grand Champion Medium Wool Ewe of the Show was awarded to the Campbell family, of Coromandel stud in Gairdner for their August shorn Poll Merino ewe.

Coromandel stud co-principle Michael Campbell said the Glenlea Park 30 sired 17.1 micron ewe was admired for hier faultless constitution and exceptional wool cutting ability.

Also taking pride of place at Bendigo, the Jones family, of Belka Valley stud in Bruce Rock were awarded the Grand Champion Strong Wool Ram of the Show with their Poll Merino ram sired by East Mundalla 58.

The Belka Valley Poll Merino ram also was sashed the Junior Champion Ram of the Show, making it one of WA’s standouts at Bendigo.

Stud co-principle Phil Jones said it was the second time Belka Valley had won the junior champion ram with the first win back in 2005.

“We did very well in the strong wools,” he said.

“Showing at Bendigo gives all WA studs a chance to benchmark against the best sheep in Australia to tell us how our sheep are going.”

The Supreme Champion Merino Sheep of the Show was awarded to the Lette family of Conrayn Merino stud in Snowy Plains NSW.

Their superfine six-tooth ewe named Perfection 54 carried a 15.4 micron fleece with a 100 per cent comfort factor.

The Lette family took out the Grand Champion Fleece award at last year’s Australian Fleece Competition.

GRAND CHAMPIONS (Merino and Poll Merino) AT AUSTRALIAN SHEEP AND WOOL SHOW – BENDIGO

Supreme Champion Merino Sheep of the Show: Conrayn Merino Stud

Grand Champion Merino Ram: Glenpaen Merino/Poll Merino Stud

Grand Champion Champion Merino Ewe: Conrayn Merino Stud

Grand Champion Ultrafine Wool Ram of the Show: Grathlyn

Reserve Grand Champion Superfine Wool Ram of the Show: Coryule Merinos

Grand Champion Superfine Wool Ewe of the Show: Conrayn Merino Stud

Reserve Grand Champion Superfine Wool Ewe of the Show: Wurrook

Grand Champion Fine Wool Ram of the Show: Koole Vale

Reserve Grand Champion Fine Wool Ram of the Show: Glenpaen Merino/Poll Merino Stud

Grand Champion Fine Wool Ewe of the Show: Wurrook

Reserve Grand Champion Fine Wool Ewe of the Show: Langdene

Grand Champion Fine/Medium Wool Ram of the Show: Glenpaen Merino/Poll Merino Stud

Reserve Grand Champion Fine/Medium Wool Ram of the Show: Glendonald Merino Stud

Grand Champion Fine/Medium Wool Ewe of the Show: Hollow Mount

Reserve Grand Champion Fine/Medium Wool Ewe of the Show: Oakbank & Oakbank Poll

Grand Champion Medium Wool Ram of the Show: Eastville Park

Reserve Grand Champion Medium Wool Ram of the Show: Glendonald Merino Stud

Grand Champion Medium Wool Ewe of the Show: Coromandel

Reserve Grand Champion Medium Wool Ewe of the Show: Nyowee Poll Merino Stud

Grand Champion Strong Wool Ram of the Show: Belka Valley

Reserve Grand Champion Strong Wool Ram of the Show: Collinsville

Grand Champion Strong Wool Ewe of the Show: North Ashrose

Reserve Grand Champion Strong Wool Ewe of the Show: Oakbank & Oakbank Poll

Junior Champion Ram: Belka Valley

National Merino Pair of the Year: Terrick West