Victorian studs dominate superfine Merinos at Bendigo with winning ewes

Victorian studs dominated the superfine Merino classes, taking out two of the four grand champion titles at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo.

Both ewe titles were claimed by Victorian studs, with Rock-Bank Merino and Poll Merino stud, Victoria Valley, awarded the August-shorn grand champion and Melrose Merino stud, Nurrabiel, taking home the March-shorn grand champion sash.

Rock-Bank stud principals John Crawford and daughter Nicole said they were very pleased with what had been a very successful weekend for the stud.

Two half-sisters by the stud claimed the grand champion August-shorn ewe sashes in their respective superfine and fine classes.

Judge Bruce Dunbabin, Mayfield Estate, Swansea, Tas, said the Rock-Bank ewe was a "true superfine" type.

Mr Dunbabin said the ewe's productivity was what pushed her ahead of the competition.

"She is beautifully well-covered, with a great underline and belly," he said.

"She stands beautifully and square and has a lot of great attributes."

The Melrose grand champion March-shorn superfine ewefaced familiar competition to claim her title.

Melrose stud principal Warren Russell was of the same opinion as the judge when it came to the broad sash winner, who faced off against his other Melrose horned superfine ewe champion.

"I was going to leave the horned ewe at home, actually, but I'm glad I didn't," Mr Russell said.

"The judge and I were in agreement when it came to the two of them."

Mr Russell favoured the ewe for her width, depth and her quality, nourished wool that she carried evenly.

Mr Dunbabin praised the ewe for her excellent body structure and beautiful wool.

"Her wool is very consistent from the front to the back, and she just stands beautifully," he said.

The young ewe still had her lambs teeth, as did the Melrose horned champion ewe.

"I think she's got great potential to go on next year," Mr Russell said.

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The grand champion March-shorn superfine ramwas won by Glenburnie stud, Walcha, NSW.

Glenburnie stud principal Paul Pittman travelled down for the stud's second time competing at Bendigo with his team of five show sheep.

"We had a really successful show last year so we wanted to come back and be competitive again," Mr Pittman said.

Last year, the stud won grand champion ultrafine August-shorn ram.

"The competition is very strong again," Mr Pittman said.

"There's a lot of good sheep here so to win any ribbon is an absolute thrill."

While Glenburnie produces both superfine and ultrafine types, Mr Pittman said their show team this year favoured the superfine types for their March-shorn entries.

"We had one August-shorn ram in and he got reserve champion in the ultrafine poll ram class," Mr Pittman said.

Mr Dunbabin said the evenness of the grand champion Glenburnie ram just put him over the ram that came in reserve.

"I love this ram," he said.

"He's got a beautiful superfine style right the way through with a great underline.

"He's a terrific young ram too, who will have a lot of potential to go on."

The grand champion August-shorn superfine ram was won by Rangeview Merino & Poll Merino stud, Darkan, WA.