FOR more than 50 years, heritage sheep breeds such as the Dorset Down, English Lester and Romney have all exhibited individually at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.
But for the past decade, organisers have created a special event, bringing the rare breeds together to showcase these special genetics.
Heritage sheep breeds are those that were in existence prior to the Second World War, which today, have limited numbers.
Heritage Sheep Australia president Colin Chapman, Woodhall Dorset Down stud, Wedderburn, Vic, said entries came mostly from Vic, as well as southern NSW and Tasmania.
He said heritage breeds did not have to qualify for the show, which was used to highlight breeds that underpin today’s mainstream breeds.
“We want to retain the heritage breeds as a pool of genetics, because perhaps in years to come, we may want to breed something different,” he said.
“This could be something different such as different sized sheep, cuts of meat, or wool for socks and carpet.”
Judging of the heritage breeds is no different to the mainstream breeds.
Each breed is judged individually, with the champions going head-to-head for the interbreed title.
Mr Chapman said most exhibitors with heritage breeds also exhibited mainstream breeds, similar to his own operation.
Last year the Heritage breed category was the feature breed of the Australian Sheep and Wool show, which resulted in a record-breaking 100 entries.
