Romneys shine with strong carcase traits and balance in competitive lineup
Kurraden Partners, Koppio, secured the top honours in the Romney judging, taking home the champion ram and the most successful exhibitor title.
The August 2024-drop ram, weighing 94 kilograms with a fat scan of 11 millimetres and an eye muscle depth of 42mm, impressed judge Ian Turner, Mount Barker, with his overall balance and figures.
Kurraden's Karen Dennis said she was pleased with how the young sire had developed.
"He's just 12 months old and already sitting at 94 kilograms," she said.
"He's a really well-muscled ram with excellent wool, and we're looking forward to seeing what he can do in the future."
Mr Turner described the ram as "beautifully balanced and correct".
"He's a very good young ram with a lot of potential - those figures are pretty good for a dual-purpose sheep," he said.
"The reserve ram was an older sheep showing the full potential of the breed, with a strong fleece and plenty of power, but the champion just had that balance and correctness on the day."
The champion ewe came from Pebblestone, Macclesfield.
The July 2022-drop ewe weighed 85 kilograms, with fat of 9mm and an eye muscle depth of 32mm.
Stud principal Helen Wright said she admired the ewe's size and wool.
"She was a champion here as a lamb a couple of years ago and has always stood out for her frame and fleece," she said.
"I really like her wool - it's what I want in my breeding program."
Mr Turner said the ewe displayed "capacity and balance" that set her apart.
"She has productive capacity and is a very good representative of the breed," he said.
"She's balanced, good through the quarters and had the advantage over the reserve on some finer points."
The reserve champion ram and ewe were both exhibited by Radstock Romneys, Strathalbyn.
ROMNEY
Judge: Ian Turner, Mount Barker
Exhibitors: 3
Entries: 25
- Champion ram: Kurraden Partners, Koppio
- Reserve champion ram: Radstock Romney, Strathalbyn
- Champion ewe: Pebblestone, Macclesfield
- Reserve champion ewe: Radstock Romney, Strathalbyn
- Most successful exhibitor: Kurraden Partners, Koppio
