Ali Miodragovic and Josh Draffin compete in the Champion Unhoused Ewe category.
Junior Handler Competition winners Emily and Henry Dickinson.
Hamish Bennett chats with the Governor General, Quentin Bryce, after she awarded his charge a yellow ribbon.
James Fox, left, and Matt Elliott with their second placegetter in the Open Class Ewe over 1.5 years with lamb category.
Ali Miodragovic and Josh Draffin have their entry judged in the Champion Unhoused Ewe category.
BALLARAT Grammar agriculture students have been very busy over the past few weeks, competing in sheep shows across the state.
Agriculture teacher Matthew Dickinson said his students had been spending a lot of time at the Grammar's farm preparing for the shows.
"The students have been out there trimming the sheep, preparing fleece and cleaning all the gear. They've been really involved," Mr Dickinson said.
"For the students that hadn't competed in those shows before, it was surprising for them how long the days were, so they'd finish the day quite tired."
He said it had been great to see the students' enthusiasm at shows in Ballarat, Bendigo and Hamilton.
"Every ribbon has been important to them," he said.
"If they'd been working with a sheep for a while, and were keen to show that particular sheep and then (it) wins a ribbon, it's really encouraging for them."
Mr Dickinson said his students not only competed well, but were supporting others throughout the shows.
"At the shows we've not only been showing our sheep, but supporting other breeders. If breeders have more than one entry in a category, they'll be giving them a hand."
The students will now have a rest from showing before the Geelong show, where they will compete with sheep and cattle in October.
Mr Dickinson said interest in agriculture had grown among Ballarat Grammar students.
"The Year 10s have been doing work experience and a lot of them chose agriculture fields. So they've been able to start really talking about agriculture issues, which is really encouraging," he said.
RESULTS
Australian Sheep and Wool Show - Bendigo
Open Competition:
Ewe, under 1 1/2 years old, showing full mouth of milk teeth - 1st place Ken Smith Memorial Trophy for Corriedale Sires' Progeny Group - 2nd place
Schools Competition:
Ram, over 1 1/2 years - 3rd place
Ewe with lamb, over 1 1/2 years - 2nd place
Dry ewe, over 1 1/2 years - 4th place
Ballarat Sheep and Alpaca Show
Henry Dickinson (Year 4) won the 12-years-and-under Junior Handler Competition
Emma Dickinson (Year 7) won the 13-to-19 year old Junior Handler Competition
Hamilton Sheepvention
Champion Unhoused Ewe
Unhoused Ewe under 1&1/2 - First
Unhoused Ewe over 1&1/2 - First
Open Ewe Milk Teeth - First
July Shorn Ram under 1 & 1/2 - First
March Shorn Ewe over 1&1/2 - Second
July Shorn Ewe Over 1&1/2 - Second
Best Secondary Schools Award in the Young Designer Fashion - Marley Downey, Year 11 - First