Boorowa stud claims South West Slopes Stud Merino Breeders ram of the year

After being runner-up last year, a Boorowa stud returned to the South West Slopes Stud Merino Breeders field day on September 2 to claim the ram of the year.

In a field of six, Tara Park 74-47, exhibited by Tara Park Merino stud, Boorowa, was awarded the title by judges Hamish McLaren, Nerstane Merino stud, Walcha, Will Roberts, Victoria Downs, Morven, Queensland, and associate judge Luke Meredith, Nevertire.

The ram had a fibre diameter of 17.6 micron, 3 micron standard deviation, 17 per cent coefficient of variation and 99.3pc comfort factor.

Guy Evans, Tara Park, said the ram, who still had his lambs teeth, had a very bulky, beautiful, well-crimped, rich wool.

"He's got a great length of body - he's a pretty complete sheep," he said.

Mr Evans said the ram was to be retained for stud use.

Tara Park last claimed the title in 2023, narrowly missing out again last year.

"It's very exciting," he said.

"I was runner-up last year so it was good to get the gong this year."

Judge Mr McLaren said the champion ram had bone and purity right through.

"He's got a beautiful neck extension and wool that carries right through," he said.

"He's going to grow into a very good sheep."

Second place was awarded to a ram exhibited by Demondrille Merino stud, Murrumburrah, which Mr McLaren said was very good in the wool, while third to Yarrawonga Merino and Poll Merino stud, Harden.

The Wendouree Perpetual Shield for the champion pen of three Merino hogget rams was awarded to Demondrille Merino stud, Murrumburrah.

Judge Mr Roberts said the group of Demondrille rams were very structurally correct.

"We all know how hard it is to get one good sheep but to put three sheep together it's pretty difficult," he said.

"One of the interesting things within our industry is the leaps and bounds the fine wool part of our industry has made.

"Years ago there was a big jump between the fine wools and the medium wools physically, but we can see here the fine wool part of our industry has done an incredible job in getting their sheep bigger and more robust."

Second was awarded to Lach River, Darbys Falls, which Mr Roberts said had more spring of rib which put the team ahead of third placed Tara Park, Boorowa.

A total of 62 studs exhibited during the field day, showcasing sires for the upcoming selling season.

Mr Roberts said it was a fantastic showing of stud rams.

"If you can't find a ram here that suits your needs, you're not looking hard enough," he said.