This category focuses on just one breed of sheep, but the classes are divided into ewes (females) and rams (breeding males). Merinos are a dual-purpose sheep, bred for their meat and wool (fleece). However, this category of judging focuses on the animal as a meat sheep, as there is a separate category for judging the fleece.

There are different strains of the Merino sheep in Australia and breeders will talk about bloodlines. These determine wool types and are usually broken down into fine wool, medium wool and strong wool. It’s also important to understand Merinos can be horned or poll (no horns).

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.

When judging rams look for

• A robust and masculine appearance.
• Adequate height and length with balanced proportions.
• Sufficient frame size.
• Strong and level structure (these traits are extremely heritable), noting undesirable characteristics.
• Even (consistent) wool that is uniform in length, soft, dense and bright and is representative of its class classification.
• Assess the wool to ensure it is even, has no black fibres and is growing on soft, pink skin.
• Ample muscling and adequate fat cover.
• Highly fertile.
• 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.
• Even wool that is uniform in length, soft, dense and bright and is representative of its class classification.
• Assess the wool to ensure it is even, has no black fibres and is growing on soft, pink skin
• An udder with two even teats.
• 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 and fleeces, 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 (thank people for listening). The speech only goes for two minutes, so keep to the point. There is no penalty for not speaking for the full two minutes.

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.

It’s not all about the animals – a 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.