Inman Valley studs share Corriedale titles as supreme ram tops strong showing

SA studs featured strongly in the Corriedale judging, with Inman Valley's Corriedale Hills and Y-not studs both securing major titles, while Strathalbyn's Wattle Glen was named the most successful exhibitor.

A total of 56 exhibits from four breeders paraded before judge Richard Archer, Quamby Plains Corriedale stud, Hagley, Tas, who said the lineup was even and well-presented.

He described the champion ram as a "lovely, big, balanced" sheep that typified the breed.

"He's got a beautiful outlook, a nice spring of rib and good carcass type - the sort of Corriedale you want in a stud," Mr Archer said.

"I also really enjoy seeing the enthusiasm of the younger handlers coming through, they're fantastic."

The champion ram, tag 20187, weighing 123 kilograms with a fat depth of 9.5 millimetres and a 42mm eye muscle, was exhibited by Corriedale Hills' Brenton Lush, Inman Valley.

Mr Lush said the three-year-old ram - affectionately nicknamed "Humphrey" by his handler - traced back to bloodlines known for eating quality.

"He actually goes back to a line that's been really high in intramuscular fat, so while he hasn't been bred specifically for showing, he's turned out to be a very good all-round ram," he said.

"He's more of a backup sire for us, but he's got the balance and shape you look for."

Reserve champion ram went to Wattle Glen - Graham Jenke, Strathalbyn - with a 75.5kg entry carrying a 7mm fat depth and 35mm eye muscle.

Mr Jenke said the ram stood out for both length and wool quality.

"As a wool classer, I look for a sheep that offers carcase as well as commercial value in the wool - he's very even, open-faced and has excellent brightness around the poll," he said.

The champion ewe ribbon was awarded to Y-not Corriedales, Zoe Lush, Inman Valley, with Mr Archer noting her commercial attributes.

"She's a long ewe with a big spring of rib and a fine fleece, rearing two lambs and standing very well," he said.

Ms Lush said the ewe had been a clear standout in her team.

"She's got a solid frame and a really bright white fleece with a lot of lustre, and her ram lambs are doing really well," she said.

"It's our first homebred champion since we started, so it feels great to be able to compete strongly against studs like Dad's (Corriedale Hills) and Wattle Glen."

In the final decision, Mr Archer awarded supreme exhibit to the Corriedale Hills ram.

"He's a proud, upstanding ram with squareness, spring of rib and constitution - a real champion," he said.

Mr Lush said it was rewarding to see the older ram mature into his potential.

"He's always been a good sheep, but he's really filled out in the past couple of months and stands up beautifully," he said.

CORRIEDALES

Judge: Richard Archer, Quamby Plains, Hagley, Tas

Exhibitors: 4

Entries: 56

Supreme champion: Corriedale Hills, Inman Valley

Champion ram: Corriedale Hills, Inman Valley

Reserve champion ram: Wattle Glen Corriedales, Strathalbyn

Champion ewe: Y-not Corriedales, Inman Valley

Most successful exhibitor: Wattle Glen Corriedales, Strathalbyn