Canberra Royal 2025: Heritage breed goes on display in Dorset Horn judging

Australian sheep heritage was on display at the Canberra Royal with the showing of the Dorset Horns.

Once among the premier prime lamb breeds in the country, numbers have dwindled to just 400 registered ewes.

Breeder Ben Campbell, Avoca stud, Gulgong, is doing his part to keep the breed going, having introduced the breed into his operation recently, running 10 sheep so far.

"I'm trying to help keep the breed alive and improve the genetic pool," he said.

There is a family connection, with his father running Dorset Horns years ago.

"I love them," he said. "They're such good-natured sheep.

"They used to be the dominant prime lamb sire - they're fallen out of popularity but they're still lovely sheep. We're doing what we can to preserve the heritage."

Mr Campbell said the Dorset Horn was still a good carcase breed.

"While they're never going to get back to the levels they were, we want to make sure they don't just disappear," he said.

Avoca exhibited the champion ram and ewe, which will be retained in the stud.

Judge Jeff Sutton, Wattle Farm, Temora, said the two champions had been prepared well.

"They have magnificent muscling, with great barrel and are true-to-type," he said.

"The ewe is particularly stylish, with quality throughout."