Finley school wins champion ram at Melbourne Royal Show

Spartacus was a part of the group of 11 sheep, 11 steers and two heifers taken to the show by a team of teachers and 39 students.

Finley High School runs an extensive agriculture program, with the students regularly exhibiting at major shows including royal shows.

Spartacus was paraded in the main arena by Year 10 student Erica Hammond, who was ecstatic with the result.

Agriculture teacher Robyn O’Leary said the whole team was excited by the win and was also happy to be taking home other ribbons in the sheep and cattle sections.

“We’ve had fabulous support from Hillden Stud (at Bannister, NSW) who provide the semen for the flock,” she said.

As part of the prize, the school gets a new 500kg sheep feeder.

Spartacus will most likely be offered for sale, as the school has such a small flock there is limited work for a ‘mop-up’ ram.

Three Shorthorn cattle won their beef classes, and 20 students were awarded paraders certificates for their work in the ring.