Woolkabin Elliott wins stud the sash

After winning the inaugural Katanning supreme exhibit award back in 1993, the Patterson family, of Woolkabin stud, Woodanilling, was back in the event’s winner’s circle for the third time.

The Pattersons’ long-wool ram began its supremacy earlier in the year at Wagin Woolorama, followed by Williams Gateway Expo, taking out the top awards at both events before being sent to the Australian Sheep and Wool Show at Bendigo.

“The ram didn’t travel so well and did not win its class,” Woolkabin co-principal Chris Patterson said.

But back in WA, Mr Patterson was optimistic about the ram’s return to top form which favourably coincided with recent Great Southern rains.

At Katanning, the three judges were unanimous in their decision to acclaim Woolkabin Elliott their choice for the supreme exhibit ribbon, which also entitled the ram to be sashed WA Ram of the Year.

Judge Ian Michael, of Nyowee homestead, South Australia, said the ram had beautiful lustrous medium wool all over its frame which was made up of good bone and the Poll Merino represented a very productive type.

Mr Patterson and his brother Eric, along with their families, have continued the progress of the stud which began its registration by their parents, Elliott and Thelma, in 1960.

“The family farm goes back to 1901 and has always had a crop to harvest and is well suited for Merino sheep enterprise that produces good-quality medium wools,” Mr Patterson said.

Rabobank WA rural manager Crawford Taylor said it was great to see Woolkabin stud’s success during a time of strong wool prices.

“The stud has been rewarded for its focus on quality and consistency over the years,” he said.

Mr Taylor, who opened the expo’s ram sale, said farmers across the State were more focused on their sheep and the ability of flocks to bring good returns.

Topping the sale, a March-shorn Poll Merino ram, offered by the Richardson family of Mianelup stud, Gnowangerup, sold for $28,500 to a syndicate of two WA buyers.

Taking full possession was the Panizza family of Trevino stud, Southern Cross, and securing a semen share was the Garnett family of Willemenup stud, Gnowangerup.

Mr Garnett said the ram had great structure with neck extension, good-quality soft medium wool and represented new genetics for his stud.

Earlier the Richardson family exhibited its medium wool ram and it was sashed champion March-shorn medium wool ram and overall reserve champion March-shorn ram of the show.

During the championship judging, the ram competed in the expo’s largest class of 28 entries, with Mr Michael speaking highly about his top choice.

“It’s a stand-out sheep with terrific bones,” he said.

The Richardson family was also awarded the Rabobank Trophy during the expo-judging for its “very even” group of five Poll Merino rams.