Decades of service to White Suffolk breed recognised with Routley honoured

The White Suffolk breed marks 40 years in 2025, and for half that time, within NSW, there has been one breeder helping lead the breed forward.

Paul Routley, Almondvale, Urana, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for 20 years of service to the White Suffolk breed at the conclusion of the feature breed judging at the NSW Sheep Show, at Dubbo.

The Routleys started with White Suffolks more than two decades ago, originally using the genetics to produce prime lambs.

The family had been operating a Bond sheep stud since 1965 and decided they wanted to have their own White Suffolk stud.

They began Almondvale White Suffolks in 2002, using genetics from Allendale, Anden, Cooee, Detpa Grove, Illoura, Penrise and Warburn.

By 2005, Mr Routley was the NSW White Suffolk Breeders Group president - a role he still holds.

Earlier this year, he was also elected vice president to the federal Australian White Suffolk Association.

Mr Routley said it was impressive to see the changes and improvements in the breed type made in the past 20 years, including its popularity, with rams used on-farms across a wide area.

"I'm absolutely passionate about the breed," he said.

Mr Routley is also a big supporter of youth competitions, actively involved in junior judging and overseeing other events.

This includes a trip to the South Australian Sheep Expo.

He has also judged at most major shows across Australia.

Mr Routley has had another role for the past 20 years - stewarding at the NSW State Sheep Show at Dubbo, which included taking on microphone duties during the interbreed competition.

The next generation of the Routley family are following this path with his daughters, Ruby and Grace, helping with the stewarding during the White Suffolk judging.

Mr Routley is also on the committee of the Bendigo Elite Show & Sale, and Australian president of StockScan Services.