Pamellen dominance in Suffolk continues

Seven studs presented 86 Suffolk sheep for judge Kristy Robertson, Brookton and associate judge Tim Starcevich, Brimlo Suffolk stud, Salmon Gums, who were impressed by the quality of entries across the board.

Ms Roberston, said the quality of Suffolks exhibited was really good and were all good examples of Suffolk types.

When it came to the two main champions in the end Ms Robertson and Mr Starcevich couldn't go past an upstanding ram and ewe from Pam Hinkley and Suellyn Boucher's Pamellen stud for their top awards.

Both expressed the traits they were looking for and impressed right from their opening classes.

With the Clackline-based stud exhibiting both the champion ram and champion ewe exhibits, there was no question who would be taking home the supreme ribbon.

All the pair had to decide was whether they wanted the Pamellen ram or the ewe as their supreme exhibit.

In the end they went for the ewe, as they believed it was an outstanding ewe and hard to go past for the top award, due to its balance and overall outlook.

Ms Robertson said the ewe picked itself as the supreme exhibit because it had a real presence in the ring.

"She caught our attention early with her overall balance and outlook," Ms Robertson said.

"She is a standout ewe with a good sound structure and good muscling right down her hindquartes.

"She is also a very feminine ewe and a very good Suffolk type.

"She really is an impressive ewe with great style and presence."

The upstanding, stylish ewe earned the right to compete in the championships after it won the ewe class for ewes born before June 30 and showing no more than two permanent teeth in front of four other ewes.

The June 2015-drop AI-bred ewe was sired by Westcombe 86-09.

The reserve champion ewe was exhibited by the Kirrie stud, Boddington.

Ms Robertson said the Kirrie ewe was a good productive ewe,

"She has a great structure and a good feminine face," she said.

"She also has a nice hindquarter, stands up well and has true Suffolk features.

"The only difference between her and the champion ewe is she just doesn't quite have the show ring presence."

The 2015-drop ewe carries Glencraig bloodlines and was in the championship line-up after winning its class for ewes under 1.5 years born after July 1, in front of nine other ewes.

When it came to the champion ram from Pamellen, Ms Roberston said it stood out from the start due to its muscling and balance

"He paraded well, stood up well and showed good balance," she said.

"He also showed good muscling throughout and has a really nice hindquarter.

"He is also a true Suffolk type with a good Suffolk head.

"He is a sire prospect and certainly deserving of the champion ribbon."

The champion ram was also AI-bred by Westcombe 86-09 and was dropped in June 2015.

Prior to being sashed the champion ram, the ram won its class for rams born before June 30, showing no more than two permanent teeth in front of six other rams.

The Pamellen stud also exhibited the reserve champion ram.

Ms Robertson said this ram was well-balanced and a very neat ram.

"He stands up well, moves well and has a good hindquarter," she said.

The ram was in the championship line-up after being part of the stud's winning pair which won the class for a pair of rams under 1.5 years.

The June 2015-drop ram was AI-bred and also sired by Westcombe 86-09.

In the group classes, it was again the Pamellen stud, which prevailed winning both the group of three rams and the breeder's group class for one ram and two ewes.

In the breeder's group class the Sasimwa stud, York, was second and the Collegian stud, Narrogin, was third, while in the group of three rams class Annaghdowns stud, Southern Brook, was second and Collegian was third.

Ms Robertson said both Pamellen groups were very even and really good Suffolk types.

"They were the most complete groups," she said.

"The group of three rams were certainly the pick of the bunch.

"They are three well-muscled rams and good Suffolk types."