Eight dorper and white dorper sheep studs and 46 sheep competed for the Supreme Champion and more than $3000 worth of sponsored support.

The studs from throughout the North West and New England brought their top sheep to Bundarra to parade before judge Christo Harmse from Gunnedah.  

There was a wide range of sheep presented.  

For some of the studs it was their first tilt at the show circuit.

Others were experienced Dubbo National Show and Sydney Royal competitors.

Forty-six sheep presented in 22 classes with classes having up to eight competitors. Most success-ful exhibitors were taken out by Adelie Botes of Kingston White Dorpers, Inverell, and Margaret and Kevin Currell of Milblair Dorpers, Barraba.  

Grand Champion White Dorper Ewe went to Rod and Rosalie Smith of Galaxy White Dorpers, Inverell, and Grand Champion Ram went to Kingston White Dorpers of Inverell.

The Supreme Champion White Dorper, was given to a young ewe from Galaxy White Dorpers described by Mr Harmse as “as near perfect as you could find”.  

Mr Harmse went on to describe the ideal proportions of the ewe and said he expected to see her win at least a place at the National Show.

“It is unusual for such a young sheep to win the Supreme Category,” he said.

Mr Harmese, in front of a substantial crowd of onlookers, took great care to explain his decisions as the sheep lined up in each class.  

Sheep Steward, Pauline Crouch, said this approach was an invaluable learning experience for the inexperienced and was greatly appreciated by the more experienced competitors.  “We all learnt a lot,” she said.

After the event even some local very experienced Merino breeders commented on the value of Mr Harmese’s commentary.