Judge breaks own rules as White Dorper ewe claims supreme at NSW Sheep Show

African White Dorpers, Thyra, proved a formidable force at the NSW Sheep Show at Dubbo, claiming the supreme exhibit on Friday.

Judge Adrian Veitch, Kaya Dorper, Narrogin, Western Australia, said it was a high-quality display of the breed.

The coveted broadribbon went to the ewe, African 230785, who rose through the four-tooth and over class to claim champion ewe.

She was sired by Belowrie Bently 190006, who was purchased in 2020 for $21,000.

"I'm going to break one of my rules that a ram should win over a ewe," Mr Veitch said.

"Unless the ewe is absolutely outstanding, and in this case she is outstanding.

"She is a beautiful ewe, with a nice head, long body and great depth."

African White Dorpers stud manager Andrea Vagg said they were very happy with the results, especially given this was her first show.

"Her genetic line has proven successful in paddock sales and in the show ring," Ms Vagg said.

"Her dam [African Lady 710026] is a three-time national grand champion ewe who has bred very well - proven by her many show winners.

"We've flushed [the champion ewe] twice, obtaining 15 embryos each time and her progeny will be available soon."

First-time exhibitor The Ranch, Longreach, Queensland, claimed grand champion ram with The Ranch White 249594 Wanda.

Sired by The Ranch White 229180 Honda, and out of Kaya 200377, he rose through the ram lamb over nine-months milk teeth class to win junior champion ram lamb.

"He's a really good functional ram that is tight into his forequarters," Mr Veitch said.

Melinda Davies, The Ranch, said she was over the moon with the result.

"It's great to showcase our sheep, born and bred in Western Qld, and know that both commercially and in the show ring, they perform," she said.

"It's also an opportunity to connect with producers in the industry to see and learn what they are doing."

African 2220944, out of the same dam as the supreme ewe, claimed senior champion ram above reserve Deepdale 242225.

Sired by African 210180, Ms Vagg said it was also the champion ram's first show.

"We concentrate on breeding functional sheep with good growth, so we're happy with the structure of the sheep as they do well both commercially and in the stud," she said.

Reserve junior champion ram went to Burrawang 241102.

Bulmar, Manildra, claimed reserve champion senior ewe with Bulmar 210070, while reserve champion junior ewe went to Burrawang 241160.