The Gowing’s secure their fifth win with impressive flock “Highly impressive” were the words judges used to describe the top flock at the 32nd Ted Little Memorial Merino Ewe Competition. Judges Angus Munro, Dunedoo, and Spike Orr, Gundarimbah, Parkes, awarded first place to Cranley and Georgie Gowing, “Lowan”, Trundle, who presented a run of May/June-drop Darriwell-blood ewes. It’s the fifth time the Gowing’s have taken out first place in the competition since 2013. When offering judging comments, Spike said he had seen year-onyear development in the Gowing’s flock, noting an improvement in structure. “These ewes are big, productive and they’ve got deep barrels, thick flanks and soft faces,” he said. “This is a flock that is easier to stuff up than improve, because when you’ve got the sheep to a certain level, you’ve got to be careful about which way you push.” The Gowing’s focus on breeding a dual-purpose Merino flock, aiming for a big frame with plenty of meat. The flock averages 20-micron for wool. In 2023, they joined 900 ewes and achieved a lambing rate of 90%. The Gowing’s have utilised rams from Darriwell, Trundle, for more than 40 years and will continue to use these genetics under new owners Garry and Donna Kopp, who will continue the Darriwell Poll stud at Peak Hill. Previous owner, Russell Jones will continue to class the flock. In second place was Fletcher International, Trundle, with a run of April/May-drop ewes. Their Darriwell-blood flock are classed by Russell Jones. The depth of breeding, consistency and type was recognisable in the ewes presented for judging, Angus said. “They have a very long body with good top line, head coverage and they’re also well-filled and balanced underneath,” he said. It was the second year entering the competition for Chris and Sarah Kilby, “Mordialloc”, Trundle, who came away with the Dual Purpose Award. In 2023, they joined 1112 ewes and achieved a lambing rate of 126%. The Kilby’s presented a run of July/August drop ewes, classed by Jack Kelly. The Grant Nixon Memorial Encouragement Award was won by to John and Janette Simmons, “West Curyo”, Trundle, who presented a line of May/June drop ewes, classed by Boyd Aveyard. Ted Little Memorial Merino Ewe Competition (Trundle) | Thursday 13 February 2025 Photo captions. 1– First place in the competition was awarded to Gowing Partners, “Lowan”, Trundle, for their Darriwell-blood ewes. Pictured are judges Spike Orr and Garry Kopp, Georgie and Cranley Gowing and classer Russell Jones. 2– The Fletcher family, Fletcher International, Trundle, placed second. Pictured is judge Angus Munro with farm manager Garry Burge, classer Russell Jones and judge Spike Orr. 3– Spectators checking out maiden ewes on display at the Fletcher family’s Trundle property. Photos: Donna Kopp. 1– 2– 3– – 119 –
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