Dorper that will 'develop into something special' wins supreme at NSW Sheep Show

It was a classic NSW versus Victoria showdown in the Dorper ring on Friday, as a ewe and ram went head-to-head for supreme at the NSW Sheep Show in Dubbo.

In the end, it was Merrinee, Vic-based stud DeepDale that claimed victory with the ram, DeepDale 241909, sashed supreme exhibit.

Judge Adrian Veitch, Kaya Dorper, Narrogin, Western Australia, said it was hard to find a Dorper ram more striking than this one.

"He has a beautiful, long body, with good head, shoulders, muscle and feet," he said.

"He is a really attractive animal, and I think he'll develop into something special.

"The ewe is fantastic, but it is bloody hard to breed a ram, so if you have an outstanding ram and ewe, I'm always going to place the ram in front."

Sired by DDD 220146 Bushwacker and out of DDD 220412, the 14-month-old ram rose through two-tooth class to claim grand and senior champion ram above his son, reserve senior champion DeepDale 220146.

Wicus Cronje, DeepDale, said it was amazing to see the depth of the stud's breeding, with the father and son duo showcasing consistency, structure and the strength of their bloodlines.

Rhaegel 24009, exhibited by Richard Goddard, Rhaegel, Kentucky, won junior champion ram above reserve champion African 240453, exhibited by Dell Dorpers, Thyra.

In the ewes, Bulmar, Manildra, claimed the grand and senior champion ewe with Bulmar 2208081.

Mr Malherbe said she was sired by Kaya B Double 19345, and out of one of his stud ewes.

It was her first show.

"She's an outstanding and feminine ewe that is very correct," Mr Veitch said.

"She's got good muscle, a beautiful head, long neck and is showing signs of an udder.

"Overall, she's just a really pretty ewe."

Junior champion ewe, Burrawang 1433, exhibited by Burrawang Dorpers, Ootha, claimed the sash above DeepDale 02527.