Kilmore’s Sayla Park Suffolk stud has added supreme champion Suffolk at Hamilton’s Sheepvention to the stud’s long list of trophies
Jodie Zoch and Jon Sutherland, co-principals of Sayla Park have taken their win in their stride but are justifiably proud of the result.
“It is a rare occasion that a ewe beats a ram for supreme champion, but this one is just exceptional. Our main aim is to get our name out there and success at events like Sheepvention is certainly helping this. A few wins has heightened our exposure.” Jodie said.
Part of the success enjoyed by Jodie and Jon is that Suffolk are a hardy sheep and are suited to the local area. There is also a good market for them in China where they are popular for breeding.
The sheep are also a popular breed with hobby farmers.
The focus of Sayla Park is the breeding of neat compact sheep while maintaining a low, easy birth weight.
Jodie and Jon started breeding Ashley Park ewes in 2013 and they started showing in 2015. The last two years have seen success after success.
In their first year of showing prizes came in Hamilton at Sheepvention (first with three ewes) and champion ewe at the Bendigo Elite.
The following year saw success with a champion ram at Bendigo and reserve champion at Hamilton and in 2017 the stud was the most successful exhibitor at the Bendigo Sheep and Wool.
Success also can from interstate with ribbons for three rams where Suffolk was the feature breed.
“We breed Suffolks because we like them and they look good,” Jodie said.
And why Sayla Park? The stud is named after Jodie and Jon’s children Saige and Jayla – who like their mum and dad just love the sheep.
