The Polwarth Association celebrated our Feature Breed status at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show with:
- The highest number of sheep entries in recent years
- An international judge from New Zealand
- International visitors from Uruguay
- The Supreme Champion Polwarth award going to Tasmania
Some 70 entries came from eight studs including Catherine McAuley College (Bendigo), Fairview (Colac), Homeleigh (Merton), Moorabee (Emu Creek), Rendlesham at Fairview (Colac), Riverview (Gretna, TAS), Taljade (Kangaroo Island) and Taljar (Kangaroo Island).
Martin Paterson from Matakanui Station in New Zealand had the difficult job of judging some high quality classes. Matakanui is a large scale operation running some 19,000 Polwarth sheep. More information can be found at http://www.matakanui.co.nz/about. Working alongside Martin in an Associate Judge role was Charlotte Walker from Tasmania. This experience provided an opportunity for Charlotte to extend her knowledge and skills in the judging circle.
We were honoured to have three members from the Ideal (Polwarth) Society of Uruguay make the journey to Australia to help celebrate the Association’s Centenary (1919-2019). Brothers, Joaquin and Fernando Martinicorena and Alejandro Clavier presented beautiful handmade sashes to the Grand Champion Ewe (won by Taljar) and Grand Champion Ram (won by Riverview).
Supreme Champion Polwarth from Riverview (Tasmania) with judge Martin Paterson, stud principal Wayne Walker and Associate Judge Charlotte Walker.
Supreme Champion Polwarth exhibit with breeder Wayne Walker from Riverview stud (Tasmania).
Wayne Walker from Riverview (Tasmania) is congratulated by Fernando Martinicorena (Uruguay) after winning the Grand Champion Ram.
The Grand Champion Ewe from Taljar (Kangaroo Island) is pictured from L to R with Alejandro Clavier, Joaquin Martinicorena, David McArdle, Jared McArdle and Fernando Martinicorena.
David McArdle of Taljar (Kangaroo Island) with his Grand Champion Ewe.
Senior Judge, Martin Paterson from New Zealand judging the Ewe, 1.5 to 2.5 years class.
Associate Judge, Charlotte Walker is pictured presenting a sash to Riverview stud principal Wayne Walker.
