Triple treat for Tasmanian studs on the national statge

The small Penguin studs of Sunnybanks and Faraday Park have beaten out their much bigger competitors at a pair of national sheep competitions.

At the 2025 Australasian Dorset Championships in Bendigo, Faraday Park won the Supreme Poll Dorset Exhibit, with the successful ram subsequently sold at auction for $13,000 to Tallangatta Poll Dorsets.

A keeper ram from sister stud Sunnybanks also took out the Champion of Champions honour after winning at the Campbell Town Show earlier this year.

At the other end of the shed at the Bendigo Showgrounds the Elite Show and Sale was taking place, with a Sunnybanks White Suffolk ram winning Supreme White Suffolk Exhibit and named Champion of Champions.

Sunnybanks and Faraday Park owner Paul Day said the success was a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

“Our annual journey to Bendigo this year was nothing short of extraordinary,” Mr Day said.

“Every September, we head off on the Spirit with the sheep loaded and ready – brimming with anticipation for one of the most important events on our sheep calendar.

“But this year, the experience exceeded all our expectations.”

Both of Paul and Shannon Day’s studs will be holding their annual ram sale on November 10, with 110 Poll Dorsets, White Suffolks and Charollais on offer for prospective buyers.