On Sunday the Rowetts claimed the prestigious Royal Melbourne interbreed champion ram title with an outstanding ram from their Poll Dorset Ulandi stud at Marrabel, SA.

Having bowled over the judges at Adelaide just two weeks before with another ram also by a Derrynock sire, the Rowetts had smiles pinned from ear to ear when the final judge’s announcement was made.

“It’s been a great year,” Mr Rowett said.

“To achieve supreme interbreed at Adelaide and now here with two different rams is an achievement you don’t make every year.”

Judges said the meaty sire had been a popular choice, praising the tremendous meat carcase, big eye muscle and overall sire power of the Ulandi ram.

Reserve went to another Poll Dorset shown by Kurralea, Ariah Park, NSW.

Melbourne also proved a successful hunting ground for Marong Suffolk breeders Kara and Paul Brown, Brofort, who left the showgrounds with a swag of broad ribbons, including the illustrious interbreed sires progeny championship and supreme interbreed ewe titles.

“It’s been our best showing in the six years we’ve come – I’m still shaking I’m so happy,” Mrs Brown said after winning the top award.

The stud had picked up reserve interbreed ewe last year, and said to go one better indicated the progress the stud had made.

The 14-month-old Suffolk ewe was sired by the impressive Suffolk sire Lets Elliott, a dominant ram within the Brofort stud.

Interbreed judge Dale Moore, Penrise, Campania, Tasmania, said the Suffolk ewe was the kind of sheep that would turn heads.

“She was shown to perfection – lovely head, feminine, excellent on her feet, tremendous outlook and superb on her feet.”

It took the champion’s ribbon ahead of a Poll Dorset ewe shown by Colin Harris, Gloroy, Newbridge.

While the Brofort Suffolk ewe was a stand out, Mr Moore said the said the stud’s progeny group – also sired by Lets Elliot - was another team to look up to.

“There’s plenty of meat down the hind quarters and two ripping young lambs,” Mr Moore said.

Click here to view a slideshow of photos from the Melbourne Show sheep judging.

Interbreed Results

Champion ram: Poll Dorset, Ulandi Park, Marrabel, SA. Res: White Suffolk, Kurralea, Ariah Park, NSW

Champion ewe: Suffolk, Brofort, Marong. Res: Poll Dorset, Gloroy, Newbridge

Interbreed sires progeny championship: Brofort