In this judging category, the sheep will be divided into two classes – short wool (Downs) and long wool breeds. The animals in each class will be of a similar age, sex and breed.

Some of the most common breeds are Merino, Poll Dorset, Corriedale, White Suffolk, Border Leicester, Dorper and Australian White. 

It is important to learn about the different breeds as characteristics can vary significantly. For example, the long wool breeds are bred for their wool as well as meat and need to be shorn, whereas some short wool breeds such as Dorper, shed their wool.

Environment and climate conditions also influence what breeds are selected. For example, the Polwarth is a dual-purpose sheep suited to wetter, colder regions, whereas the Dorper copes well with drier, warmer conditions.

You will need to get to know the different parts of the animal and be able to name these correctly, as these will be the judging points. Remember these will differ between the animal’s purpose. In the meat sheep breeds competition there will be rams and ewes.

When judging rams look for

• A robust and masculine appearance.
• Adequate height and length with balanced proportions.
• Sufficient frame and capacity for carrying meat.
• Strong and level structure (these traits are extremely heritable), noting undesirable characteristics.
• Ample muscling and adequate fat cover.
• Highly fertile.
• Assess the wool to ensure it is even, has no black fibres and is growing on soft, pink skin.
• When the sheep are walked, check for smooth and straight movement.

When judging ewes look for

• A feminine appearance.
• Adequate height and length with balanced proportions.
• Sufficient frame and capacity for carrying meat and producing lambs.
• Strong and level structure, noting undesirable characteristics.
• Free and athletic movement.
• An udder with two even teats.
• Assess the wool to ensure it is even, has no black fibres and is growing on soft, pink skin.
• When the sheep are walked, check for smooth and straight movement.

Competitors in the oral section are scored on their accuracy of observation, their ability to compare animals, speaking skills and their own presentation.

Have a start, middle and end: begin with an introduction (for example, acknowledging those involved and provide a short overview of characteristics an ideal animal would have in that class), then go into the comparisons of pairs, and finish with a conclusion (for example thank people for listening). The speech only goes for two minutes, so keep to the point.

The main goal is to explain to the judge why you have placed the animals in the order you have chosen by comparing the animals in pairs – first place with second, second against third, and finally third against fourth. Rather than describing each animal individually, competitors draw comparisons against the attributes of each pair. For example, “In the top pair, I placed animal numbered [eg four] ahead of [eg one] because … [highlight the strengths then weaknesses, if any are present].” Remember to prioritise the most important reasons first and pick only two or three differences.

While there are characteristics about an animal to look for, judging is subjective and what the judges will be paying close attention to is how clearly competitors express their decision and how they validate it.

It’s not all about the animals – the competitor’s appearance is also important, and judges can mark down for poor presentation. Competitors must wear closed in shoes and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket. Long hair must be tied back, and only minimal jewellery is allowed. Male competitors must wear a tie and long pants. Female competitors may consider wearing a tie or neck scarf or necklace. Chewing gum and shorts are definitely not permitted.