Ravenstone's Mini saw much success at the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show.
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The Babydoll sheep breed made its debut at the 2026 Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show, with two local animals claiming top honours at what is considered the biggest event of its kind in the world.
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Held between July 17 and 19, the show saw four studs compete in the inaugural Babydoll category: Hillgrove Stud and Roogilli Farm from Bungendore, NSW, Gumbuya Stud from Addington, and the local Hilldene/Glenaroua Ravenstone Babydoll Stud.
Ravenstone's Pam Beerens said the competition was a positive experience for all involved.
“The inclusion of the babydoll breed at the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show has been a milestone for the breed, and raised a large amount of interest and awareness of a little-known sheep based on Southdown genes – ‘the sheep with a smile’,” Ms Beerens said.
“(They're) known for their use in vineyards, olive groves, orchards, as pets, and are ideal for small acreages.”
Seymour Agriculture and Pastoral Society's James Giampiestro won the Most Valuable Commercial Fleece at the 2026 Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show.
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Ravenstone's Mini claimed first place in the Ewe over two and a half years category, Champion Ewe for Babydoll, Supreme Champion Babydoll Exhibit, and the Inaugural 2026 Combined Registries Supreme Champion Babydoll.
Ravenstone's Ms Clover also placed third in the Ewe under one and a half years category.
The results mark a significant step forward for stud principals and owners Ms Beerens and Leigh Edwards, who have exhibited at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo for the past three years.
“We look forward to catching up with everyone at the 2026 Seymour Show in October and the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo in April 2027 with Supreme Champion Babydoll Exhibit Mini in attendance,” Ms Beerens said.
Seymour Agricultural and Pastoral Society's James Giampiestro also performed well at the show, winning the Most Valuable Commercial Fleece category.
