The Talkook ram 0081/71 progressed to the top spot in the final line up after a considerable amount of time and deliberation by Judge Des Campbell of the 'Avoca' Border Leicester Stud in Golgong NSW.

As the judging continued between the top three, it was a close contest for the second and third placed sheep and they were rotated one last time, before the Talkook ram was declared the overall Junior Champion.

Mr Campbell said the sire had stood out for the consistency in wool quality, and muscle structure.

“The sire had been placed at the top due his overall confirmation.

"Muscle & bone structure, consistency throughout of wool quality.

"As well as displaying all the traits required for our current first cross ewe industry,” said Mr Campbell.

After the August-drop Talkook Sire was sashed Junior Champion, he went on to place as the Reserve Grand Champion Border Leicester Ram ribbon. 

This is another milestone for local breeder Bob Anderson who has been breeding Border Leicester Studs for the past 50 years.

2018 was his third year back on the competition circuit, after a lengthy break of 25 years. 

In 2017, the Anderson’s and families, Talkook stud also exhibited the Reserve Champion Ewe.

A large number of animals exhibited in the Junior Champion Ram class.

The show attracted quality sheep from stud breeders from all over New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

There was over 680 sheep in the shed of all breeds.

The Royal Melbourne Show is the final show of the 2018 circuit.