Polwarth ewe with productivity and presentation takes out supreme champion

Pictures by Andrew Miller

Productivity and presentation swung the dial towards a Polwarth ewe over the ram at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show.

While it was unusual to choose a ewe, judge Tim Dennis, Anglesea, said the female by Riverview stud, Gretna, Tas, had "tonnes of wool and a good frame".

"She was a well-presented sheep," Mr Dennis said.

"This ewe is quite exceptional as far as production goes.

"She probably doesn't have the prettiest fleece in the shed, but it is pretty good."

He picked the 2.5-year-old ewe, who has had three lambs, over the champion ram.

"The ram was a good ram, but he didn't handle as well as this one," he said.

He said the ewe would fit into any wool-growing flock, which needed a dual-purpose animal.

"She would match up to a lot of the Merino ewes," he said.

"The spring of rib, carcase frame and shape are pretty important to the Polwarth sheep if they are going to compete with Corriedales and Merinos.

"Polwarths are the best of both worlds.

"This sheep shows that kind of balance, and that's all you can ask for."

Mr Dennis said the ewe had "productivity and presentation", tipping out the ram.

Riverview stud principal Wayne Walker said the ewe had dense, nourished wool, cutting 8.5 kilograms last year.

"I think she is a bit better this year," Mr Walker said.

He said he had been feeding the flock for about two or three years due to the continued drought.

"They are a good dual-purpose sheep, they are easy to handle," he said.

"We don't own a dog, we just go out with a loaf of bread, sing out to them and they come.

"They can't wait to get in the yards."

He said he would keep the ewe, which was currently in lamb, and see how her latest offspring turned out.