UPDATE: ROBERT GIBSON of Hay has a top flock of Riverina-bred Merino ewe weaners.
He proved that when 10 of his March-shorn ewes were judged this year's winners of the 20th annual Peppin-Shaw Riverina competition at the Hay sheep show on the weekend.
- Pictures: Records tumble at Hay
The event was postponed in February due to flooding rains, and held, under modified rules at the Hay sheep show.
The competition usually allows hundreds of visitors to view up to 40,000 young Merino ewes over a 1000km two-day journey of the western Riverina.
From the original nine entrants, seven took a pen of ewes to the show for judging.
Peppin-Shaw president David Rankin said the sheep were judged on visual assessment only this year.
"I was completely shocked, speechless," Mr Gibson said.
Robert and his wife Markeeta run up to 6000 Pooginook-Croidon blood ewes on their 16,000ha property, Croidon.
"The Peppin-Shaw is great for referencing our flock with other peoples'," Mr Gibson said.
"The win justifies the pain and agony I had with flies and trying to keep the wool on the Peppin-Shaw sheep."
Runner-up this year was Michael Rutledge, of Yeadon, at Hay.
The encouragement award went to Michael Huntly, of Strathavon, at Mossgiel, and the best new entry, was won by David and Barbara Butcher, of Bronte, at Mossgiel.
A Victorian poll Merino ram made a clean sweep of the Australian Merino hogget ram title at the show.
The event, for two-tooth rams, attracted a line-up of 40 entries from Victoria, NSW and South Australia.
Testing at 18.7-micron and weighing 99kg, the winning ram was exhibited by Ross and Robyn McGauchie, of Terrick West, at Prairie.
The family also showed the champion hogget Merino ewe. The 60th annual Hay sheep show drew 130 flock, and 191 open entries from about 40 exhibitors.
