Australian Sheep and Wool Show: Poll Dorset judge optimistic on saleyard prices

Poll Dorsets are the feature breed of the upcoming Australian Sheep and Wool Show at Bendigo where genetics will be key.

Poll Dorset feature breed judge Chris Badcock of Hagley in Tasmania is optimistic about the prime lamb industry despite falling saleyard prices.

Chris will judge the Poll Dorsets during the upcoming Australian Sheep and Wool Show at Bendigo in July.

Together with his family, they run Fairbank Prime Ram Sires and breed Southdowns, White Suffolks, Poll Dorsets and Ultra White sheep.

He said he was looking forward to being involved with the sheep and wool show and expected an excellent-quality line-up of sheep.

In addition to judging the Poll Dorsets, he will also scrutinise the Southdowns.

He said it would be a change from actually exhibiting to taking on the role of judging.

“I’m expecting it to have a good atmosphere this year,” he said.

“It will be a strong showing, and this is something I am looking forward to.”

Chris said it was always an honour to be asked to judge, and he was humbled to get the opportunity at such a significant event.

When judging, Chris said he would assess breed type, structural correctness and also the commercial attributes the industry is seeking.

“The lamb market is tough at the moment, it has come back from a high, but there are still opportunities,” he said.

“Now is the time to look at the genetics and become more efficient.”

Mr Badcock said the market wasn’t all doom and gloom, and there was certainly room to improve and look to the future.