Dorset Down champions hope flock numbers increase for the heritage breed

Long-time Dorset Down breeders Margaret and Colin Chapman, Wedderburn, won multiple ribbons at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show.

The family has been showing their Woodhall stud for decades, which was originally imported from England by Ms Chapman's grandparents in 1945.

"Then they've been added to over the years with New Zealand Dorset Down breeding along with English breeding several times over the years," Mr Chapman said.

Dorset Down sheep are one of 10 heritage-listed sheep breeds in Australia, with only six studs in the country.

The Chapmans were one of two Dorset Down exhibitors at this year's show - the other exhibitor being Ben Pickles, Sebastian, whose Creekview Dorset ram took home the ribbon for reserve champion ram.

"We're often showing by ourselves or with one other breeder at shows, but we'd love it if there were more that could come along and exhibit alongside us," Mr Chapman said.

Judging the Dorset Downs was New Zealand livestock buyer and sheep stud advisor Graham Sidey, who said the Woodhall ram was structurally sound, with a body shape ideal for meat quality.

Mr Sidey praised the Woodhall sheep all around for proportions with "meat in the right places".

"The ram has a thick barrel and good feet," he said.

"It has good feet and meat in the right places."

Mr Chapman said new Dorset Down breeders had taken on small flocks in the country to retain the genetics of the heritage breed, with the breed making its way to Tasmania for the first time.

"In the last two years, we've been able to set up a breeder in Western Australia and a new breeder in Tasmania, which is the first time the Dorset Down has been there," he said.

"There are also a few new and up-and-coming breeders in Tasmania.

"They're very small in numbers and very unusual, and we'd like to see more people take them on as a heritage breed."

Mr Pickles took up breeding Dorset Down sheep in 2022 and now runs ewes on his farm.

"One of the main reasons I got into breeding Dorset Downs was to increase their numbers," he said.

He said it was his first time exhibiting the sheep at the ASWS.

"It was also really special to have the sheep being judged by a judge who has had Dorset Downs because they're so uncommon," he said.

Mr Chapman said while the breed was rare and unusual, their meat quality was what made them special.

"They're really sought after for their meat quality, and that's a feature that we're always trying to improve," he said.

"They are also a very robust and adaptable breed in their nature."

READ MORE: Angora wool in high demand as young buck takes out grand champion at ASWS