Raiven Cole, 9 years old from the Ashley Park Poll Dorset Stud won the 2021 Melbourne Royal, virtual Showcase your Sheep Competition.

Participants prepared a mock sales pitch video on a sheep of their choice from their own stud or commercial flock, promoting a sheep to prospective buyers. Students were encouraged to include relevant information that supported their sales pitch, a good visual of the animal, evidence in the form of actual weights, performance data and the need for true and verifiable sales information.

Raiven won the under 12 age group with her ram 200, Raiven spoke about her ram very well. We asked Raiven a few questions about her experience and her ram 200.

Why did you enter the competition?

- I entered the competition because I wanted to show everyone what I know about sheep, and what I have learnt. Also because I want to have more knowledge about sheep.

Tell us a bit about your ram and why he makes a good ram?

- 200 is a good ram because he is calm and quite gentle. He is a good ram for breeding because he has good depth of muscle. He’s a nice strong ram. He walks nice and straight.

What do you enjoy the most about working with sheep?

- I enjoy how they start as lambs and watching them grow into nice rams and ewes. I love being outside with the sheep and helping.

How did you feel when you won the competition?

- I felt very shocked and amazed by how far I’d come since I was seven.