Powerhouse Bordertown ram uses strength to claim supreme Suffolk title
A well-balanced ram from AE Day and Sons, Allendale, Bordertown, claimed the supreme Suffolk exhibit after topping the ram classes in a strong showing of 65 entries from six exhibitors.
Judge Anthony Ferguson, Anna Villa Suffolk stud, Weetulta, said the August 2024-drop ram impressed throughout the competition with its overall strength and sire potential.
"I liked him all the way through his class," Mr Ferguson said.
"He's got strength and power, he's a good sire, he's got the meat, and he's going to produce extremely good rams, both flock and stud, down the track.
"He's a very correct ram with muscle where it counts, particularly from the ribs back.
"He just carried himself with balance and presence every time he came out."
The supreme ram weighed 111 kilograms with an eye muscle depth of 48 millimetres, a fat scan of 8.5mm, and breeding values of 28.9 for post-weaning weight, 0.0 on fat and a 2.6 post-weaning EMD.
Reserve champion ram went to Victorian exhibitor Jon Sutherland, Sayla Park, Kilmore, with a younger entry that Mr Ferguson described as "a very smart ram with muscle in all the right places".
"Every ram here today is worthy of its class," he said.
"The reserve is a touch younger but very stylish, well-muscled and one that will add a lot to the breed."
Champion ewe honours went to Urrbrae Agricultural High School with a July 2023-drop ewe weighing 97kg, with 10mm fat and 47mm EMD.
Mr Ferguson praised the ewe for her femininity, structure and movement.
"When she walked out, I thought that was going to be my ewe," he said.
"She paraded exceptionally well, with a feminine outlook but plenty of muscle to go with it."
Urrbrae Agricultural High School deputy principal Vince Fleming said the ewe was bred through Urrbrae's artificial insemination program, using semen donated by Brecon Breeders.
"She's got striking shape, significant muscle mass and that length we've been aiming for," Mr Fleming said.
"We're considering embryo transfer work with her to carry the bloodline forward."
Reserve champion ewe went to AE Day and Sons with a July 2024-drop ewe, described by Mr Ferguson as a "nicely balanced, free-moving exhibit" that carried herself very well.
For AE Day and Sons, the supreme award capped a successful showing, with the stud also named most successful exhibitor.
Angus Day said the ram would be offered at the family's on-property sale, with semen to be retained.
"We think he's a very good, correct ram - plenty of length, balance and strong Suffolk type," he said.
"We debated whether to keep him, but he'll make a big impact wherever he goes."
Alistair Day said winning the supreme and most successful exhibitor was a rewarding result for the family.
"We work reasonably hard at this job, so it's nice to get the rewards," he said.
"Most successful exhibitor is something we regard highly, and we aim for it every year."
Suffolk
Judge: Anthony Ferguson
Exhibitors: 6
Entries: 65
Supreme exhibit and champion ram: AE Day and Sons, Allendale, Bordertown
Reserve champion ram: Jon Sutherland, Sayla Park, Kilmore, Vic
Champion ewe: Urrbrae Agricultural High School
Reserve champion ewe: AE Day and Sons, Bordertown
Most successful exhibitor: AE Day and Sons, Bordertown
