Mount Barker High School takes top honours with Polwarth ram and ewe exhibits

Mount Barker High School students had plenty to celebrate in this year's Polwarth judging, with their champion ram claiming supreme exhibit ahead of the champion ewe.

Judge Kayla Starkey, Bel-Antha stud, Mount Pleasant, said the champion ram embodied strong breed type, with excellent carcase attributes and fleece quality.

"He's very masculine with a broad nose, good spring of rib and barrel, and he carries a beautiful pure Polwarth fleece," she said.

"Structurally, he stands up very well and is an outstanding example of the breed."

The champion ram, weighing 101.5 kilograms with a 12.5 fat score and 46 millimetre eye muscle depth, was shown by Year 10 handler Rowan Miles, Mount Barker High School.

Rowan said the ram - affectionately known as Kevin - had become a favourite at the school.

"He can be a bit of a handful, but he's very friendly with me and follows me around," he said.

The champion ewe, exhibited by Year 10 Ashton Van Zyl, also from Mount Barker High School, impressed with her mothering ability and fleece attributes.

"She's very square and structurally strong, with the right crimpy fleece and a good barrel," Ms Starkey said.

At 57kg with a fat score of 3.5 and a 26mm eye muscle depth, the ewe, nicknamed Queen, was shown with twin lambs at foot.

Mount Barker High School agriculture teacher Ross Templeman said both sheep were valuable learning tools for students.

"The ram is a longer-bodied, structurally sound type with good shoulders, while the ewe has shown strong maternal ability," he said.

"Polwarths respond well to handling, which makes them an excellent breed for school programs."

This year's judging drew one exhibitor with five entries.

RESULTS

Breed: Polwarth

Exhibitors: 1

Exhibits: 5

Judge: Kayla Starkey, Bel-Antha stud, Mount Pleasant

Supreme and champion Polwarth ram: Mount Barker High School

Champion Polwarth ewe: Mount Barker High School

Most successful exhibitor: Mount Barker High School