TOP SIRE 2026–2027 NSW SHOW AND SALE RESULTS GROUP CHAMPIONS The champion ribbons for top pair and group honours were split between states on the first day of judging at the Rabobank National Merino Show. The Max Smith Champion Pair, awarded to August shorns, was won by Collinsville, Hallett, SA. The pair, which consisted of Collinsville 50178 and Collinsville 50026, were placed at the top due to their sheer scale and bulk, according to judges. In second place was a pair from the Cox family’s Bocoble stud, Eumungerie. “I know they’re a different type, first and second, but on balance, the top pair certainly outweigh the other pair,” George said when delivering his judges’ comment. Mt Ascot, Mitchell, QLD, claimed third place. Collinsville also claimed the Champion March Shorn Pair with Collinsville 50454 and Collinsville 50466. Judge Joe Dahlitz noted their “great length of shape and tremendous back end”, which placed them ahead of the 11 other entries. Terrick West Prairie, VIC, claimed second place, while Towonga, Peak Hill, rounded out the top three places. NSW took the win in the Elders Group of Three March Shorn Rams with Wanganella, Conargo, taking home the champion ribbon from a field of nine groups. The winning group consisted of Wanganella 20473, Wanganella 20462 and Wanganella 20469, and were described as a good breeders’ team with depth and evenness of carcass, by judge Richard Beggs. Poll Boonoke, Conargo, placed second, while Towonga, Peak Hill, claimed another third-place ribbon. QLD took the top honours in the Elders City of Dubbo Group of Five with a team from Mt Ascot, Mitchell, in first place and Jolly Jumbuck, Mitchell, in second. Judge Alan Harris commended Mt Ascot’s even team of sheep, noting a very white and productive wool and good length of bone across the team. NSW STATE FLOCK EWE FINALS Pure wool and strong productivity proved a winning combination at the NSW State Flock Ewe Finals, held in conjunction with the Rabobank National Merino Show. The competition, now in its second year, was well supported by commercial producers, many of whom had placed at the top in their local competitions. Tasked with judging the competition were Brad Wilson, Nutrien Stud Stock, Dubbo, and Alistair Keller, Elders Stud Stock, SA. Philip, Bernadette, Harold and Meg Crouch, “Karu”, Condobolin, claimed the overall champion title with their April/May 2024drop ewes, classed by Chris Bowman, Hay. Placed third in their local Don Brown Memorial Merino Ewe Competition, they were praised for their strong productivity and wool quality. “They’re a good size for age, well-structured and really put together ewes with a pure wool cut,” Alistair said. The Croch’s “Karu” flock, which has Towonga-blood influence, also claimed the Champion Medium/Strong Pen of Five Flock Ewes ribbon. West Wyalong Maiden Ewe Competition winner Emma Northey, “Milroy”, Weethalle, was awarded the reserve champion in the medium/strong category with her pen of 2024-drop Belswickblood ewes, classed by Michael Elms. The Champion Superfine/Fine Wool Pen of Five Ewe was won by Mick and Wendy Inder, Wattlegrove Partnership, Dunedoo, who won the Chris Naake Memorial Flock Ewe Competition earlier in the year. They entered a pen of July/August 2024-drop, Langdene-blood ewes, classed by Garry Cox. In reserve was a pen of 2024-drop, Towonga-blood ewes entered by the Curran Family Trust, “Illabunda”, Nyngan. The 2025 Champion Flock Ewe ribbon, awarded to a single ewe selected from the pens of five on display, was won by a May/ June 2023-drop ewe from Cranley and Georgie Gowing, “Lowan”, Trundle. Their Darriwell-blood flock, classed by Russell Jones, had previously won the Ted Little Memorial Flock Ewe Competition. Alistair praised the ewe’s productivity when awarding the ribbon, “She is a big, productive, well-put-together ewe that stands well on her feet. She also carried well-nourished, bright white wool and has a big, beautiful head.” YOUNG JUDGES COMPETITION Young talent was on display during the 2025 Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show Young Judges competition, with entrants from across NSW vying for a spot at the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show state finals. Among the strong field of entrants was 19-year-old Angus Knox, a second-year jackaroo at Australian Food and Agriculture’s Wanganella and Poll Boonoke studs. He impressed judge James Derrick, Karoola Downs Poll, Mundarlo, and claimed a trifecta with first place in the senior judging, senior oral presentation and sheep handler sections. “I’ve always had a passion for Merinos and straight out of school decided to go jackarooing at Boonoke, where I’m really enjoying my time,” he said. Angus credited his success to the mentors he works alongside, which includes Angus Munro, Forbes Murdoch, Justin Campbell, Tom Lilburne and Chris Bowman. “They’re people I look up to in the industry who are very successful.” Paddy Lowe, Laggan, claimed second place in the young judges competition, earning himself a spot at the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show alongside Angus. Piper Drury, Wellington, picked up third place. – 71 –
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