Superfine standout secures Boorowa stud's first NSW ram of the year title

A Boorowa stud has written its name into the history books, taking out its first NSW ram of the year title at Merino Nationals in Dubbo.

Merrignee 24A20310 was sashed grand champion August-shorn superfine Merino champion.

By Merrignee Magic, the ram recorded a fibre diameter of 17.6 micron, standard deviation of 2.8 micron, coefficient of variation of 16.1 per cent and 99.65pc comfort factor.

The judges were George Merriman, Merryville, Boorowa, James Ballinger, Waverly Downs, Delungra, Richard Beggs, Nareeb Nareeb, Nareeb, Victoria, Alan Harris, Koole Vale, Costerfield, Vic, and Joe Dahlitz, Roemahkita, Cummins, South Australia.

Mr Merriman commended the ram's wool and size.

"We thought the long wool was a good example of a traditional stud wool-growing animal," he said.

"He is a good size for his type with a beautiful wool cut all over the body that is carried well down underneath."

Charlie Merriman, Merrignee, said the win was an outstanding result and recognition of his family's hard work.

"It's a great reward to take home a big ribbon like this, especially for a superfine to stand up against the western plains animals, which are exceptional sheep," he said.

The 130 kilogram ram will remain in the stud, with plans to be used as a sire.

In reserve, Poll Boonoke 240515 rose through the fine/medium, March-shorn ring to win Poll Merino champion.

He had 18.9 micron, 2.9 micron SD, 15.2pc CV and 99.8pc CF.

Mr Merriman said the exhibits were two good sheep with different types and shearing.

"The short wool is a kind of ram we've been seeing all day," he said.

"He is a great example of how the industry can have different types and outstanding quality as well.

"There is room for us all."

The Merino Nationals supreme exhibit went to August-shorn grand champion ram, Collinsville Emperor 333, exhibited by Collinsville, Hallett, SA.

Sired by Emperor 395, the ram rose through the fine/medium August-shorn Poll Merino ring and recorded a fibre diameter of 18.9 micron, 3 micron standard deviation, 16.1 per cent coefficient of variation and 99.4pc comfort factor.

Judge Richard Beggs said the supreme exhibit was well put together.

"He's got plenty of barrel, length, depth of body, is beautiful through his flank and carries that wool right down underneath," he said.

Collinsville stud manager Tim Dalla said the ram would remain in the stud.

"We're extremely excited to sell a ram of Emperor 395, and for the money of $115,000, and he has bred on because we're all about consistency," Mr Dalla said.