Local pig producers Heather and Richard Cole have been named Sydney Royal's Most Successful Pig Exhibitor of 2019.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Their 11-month-old Landrace gilt, Riverglen Princess G77, was named the Easter Show's Best Pig In Show after sweeping the titles of Junior and Grand Champion Sow and Supreme Exhibit in her group.
The young gilt that claimed the Sydney Royal's top honour was bred from South Australian stock that Mr Cole identified as "two of the best bloodlines in the country".
It's the first major Sydney show success with the Landrace breed of pigs for the Coles, they have enjoyed big successes with their Berkshires in the past.
This is the first year that they have entered a Landrace gilt in the the Sydney Royal.
Mrs Cole said they were looking at entering the breed for the last three or four years, but were holding off until they had the right stock.
Mr Cole said participating in the Show was a wonderful and exciting experience, 2019 making the ninth time they have taken animals down to Sydney Royal.
And it wasn't only their young sow that attracted the admiring eye of the judges.
The 11 pigs the Coles showed this year claimed 31 ribbons, an unprecedented level of success for the Warroo stud.
Two of the Coles' more mature sows were named Champion Senior Sow for their group of classes, their young sows claimed the title of Champion and Reserve Champion Junior Sow in their group.
They also brought home a Reserve Junior Champion ribbon for one of their young boars, along with a range of class ribbons.
It all added up to the title of Most Successful Pig Exhibitor and that was absolutely a highlight for the Coles.
While it's a pretty lofty title to aspire to defend, the Coles will continue to follow the formula that has brought them success so far.
Their Champion Junior Sow, and Best Pig In Show, Riverglen Princess G77 will be kept to breed for them.
"I hope her progeny will be as high quality as she is," Mr Cole said.
Other local success stories to come the Sydney Royal include Jack Cole and Matt Mitton in junior judging, the Red Bend Catholic College cattle team and Ormsby Mugambi Stud had success with their Boer goats.
More on these to come.