Holbrook success for HWMHS stud

Hay War Memorial High School enjoyed another successful showing at Holbrook Sheep and Wool Fair recently, taking out the most successful exhibitor award.

(From left) Students Hannah Edmonds, Issy Murray, Poppy Barnes, Evie Creighton, teacher James Caughey, Chrissy Murray, Emily Caughey, winner of the junior judging Mackenzie Dawson, Andrew Johnston, Oliver Creighton, Emily Shea and Morgan Dally. Image: Supplied.

By Krista Schade

Hay War Memorial High School’s Aberline Dorper and White Dorper Stud had another successful showing at the recent Holbrook Sheep and Wool Fair, taking out the most successful Dorper and White Dorper exhibitor award.

The school was also awarded the best maintained school for the fourth time in five years.

In the Merino and White Suffolk judging Emily Caughey, Mackenzie Dawson and Oliver Creighton progressed to the finals and spoke in front of the crowd of experienced breeders about why they judged certain sheep superior over others.

Mackenzie took out first prize, and will go on to compete at the Royal Sydney Show over Easter 2024, whilst Oliver placed third in a tight competition.

The Aberline Stud pair of Anther and Tranquility won the short wool pair class, and placed third in the interbreeds ewe pairs. The Aberline group of Anther, Tranquillity and Archimedes placed second in their class and Aberline Gladiator tied for second place in the interbreed ram class.

Eleven students took part in the show as well as workshops on sheep anatomy, wool and dual purpose sheep judging, and dog working.

The school’s operation is a fully functioning sheep stud and Hay War Memorial High School was the first school in Australia to establish and operate as a Dorper and White Dorper Stud.

In 2010, stud quality Dorper and White Dorper ewes were donated by top Dorper Studs from all around the country to establish the stud, and ewes were joined to a Champion Ram from "Dell Dorpers". The stud’s first progeny consisted of ewes and a ram - named "Rambo".

Students are involved in every aspect of the running of the stud from animal husbandry activities to marketing and handling and closely work with the sheep leading up to major shows.

The student handlers have shown the sheep at local, state and interstate competitions including the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo, The Royal Melbourne Show, the National Dorper Sheep Show in Dubbo and The Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The stud name "Aberline" was selected by students as it honours the War Memorial aspect of the school.

Aberline is the first name on the list of Hay soldiers who lost their lives during the Boer War in South Africa and the Dorper breed originates from South Africa.