The 2023 Australian Sheep and Wool Show was a special occasion for the association as our Uruguay friends and fellow Polwarth breeders, Joaquin and Fernando Martinicorena, accepted our invitation to judge.
Joaquin and Fernando were last in Australia in 2019 as guests of honour at the association’s centenary celebration (1919-2019), also held at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show. It was wonderful to welcome them back to Australia.
Left: At the Interbreed Judging on Sunday morning, Joaquin and Fernando were invited to be one of four interbreed judges in the Longwool section.
Special thanks to interstate studs Riverview (TAS) and Taljade and Taljar (Kangaroo Island) for making another huge effort to attend the show. They were joined by Victorian studs Fairview and Moorabbee to produce a quality lineup of sheep across all classes.
As in previous years, the Junior Handler competition ran concurrently with the main judging. Agricultural students from Catherine McAuley College were assessed for their handling skills by junior judge Maxine Walker while presenting exhibits to our international judges.
Special thanks to life members Ken Arnold and Noel Littlejohn and also Jos Littlejohn for coming over from Tasmania to support the show. A special thankyou Jos and Noel who capably took over the stewarding when secretary Kaye Potter fell ill the night before judging.
2023 was the ‘swan song’ for Ken and Noel. In recent years, the association has been incredibly lucky to have their active input, support, knowledge and wisdom. It’s now time for us to stand on our own, however I’m sure they are only a phone call away should we need advice. We wish Ken and Di and Noel and Jos good health into the future.
Above: The 2023 Supreme Champion was a Riverview ram owned by Wayne and Maxine Walker from Tasmania. Judges Fernando (left) and Joaquin Martinicorena congratulate Catherine McAuley College student Melea Pitson who was holding the ram as part of the Junior Handler competition.
Above: Wayne Walker Joaquin and Fernando Martinicorena with Riverview’s champion ram who went on to win the Reserve Interbreed Longwool.
