Shropshire sheep shine as Aurora Park stud secures top awards

The Shropshire breed was back in the sheep pavilion this year with a small but competitive showing under judge Ian Turner, Mount Barker.

Two exhibits were presented by Aurora Park, St Helens Plains, Vic, with the stud taking out both champion ram and ewe titles.

The champion ram, weighing 95.5 kilograms with a 9.5 millimetre fat depth and 42.5mm eye muscle depth, was described by Mr Turner as "a good representation of the breed".

"He's got good structure, he's balanced, reasonably correct, and he's got commercial attributes of meat where it matters," Mr Turner said.

"The ram is good quality, and will breed some good progeny - his progeny is already showing in the ewe, which has his lamb."

The champion ewe, weighing 60.5kg with a 7mm fat depth and 32.5mm EMD, was also praised by Mr Turner.

"She was probably better than the ram overall on just a couple of minor points," he said.

"She's very sound, balanced, correct, and with consistency of type.

"There's nothing you've got to worry about."

Mr Turner noted the importance of maintaining rarer breeds like the Shropshire.

"It's extremely important that we have this diversity of gene pool to call on at various stages," he said.

Aurora Park & Burrandool principal Mathew Hill said both sheep had been regulars in the showring.

The two-year-old ram, known at home as "Longneck" for his upright stature, has consistently been a class and champion winner across SA and Vic.

"I used him as the main ram this year, and I'll probably use him again next year to see what he produces," Mr Hill said.

The champion ewe, also two years old, is a valued stud breeder and was the dam of the ram lamb on display alongside her.

Mr Hill said the Shropshire breed was highly valued within his program for its durability and ability to maintain condition in a variety of environments.

"They just seem to have a really good tolerance to worms, they keep that roundness to them, and they grow on," he said.

Mr Hill said he was pleased to support the centenary year of the Australian Stud Sheep Breeders Association, making the trip across the border with his team.

SHROPSHIRE

Judge: Ian Turner, Mount Barker

Exhibitors: 1

Entries: 2

Champion ram: Aurora Park & Burrandool, St Helens Plains, Vic

Champion ewe: Aurora Park & Burrandool, St Helens Plains, Vic