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It was there that they first encountered the strikingly unique Valais Blacknose sheep, known for their gentle temperament and iconic woolly faces.<\/p>\n
The sheep roam freely through the mountainous Valais region during warmer months, and the couple’s chance meeting with the breed sparked what would become a life-changing pursuit.<\/p>\n
“From that moment, we knew we had to bring them into our lives,” said Ms de Kort, Gordilly Park’s principal director.<\/p>\n
“It’s been a long road of import logistics, breeding, and learning, but days like today (when the award was announced) make it all worthwhile.”<\/p>\n
Koto, the winning ewe, is almost two years of age and is now in lamb to one of the stud’s newly imported rams, signalling a strong future for the enterprise.<\/p>\n
“I would like to thank all of the breeders and organisers who have made this event such a resounding success,” Ms de Kort said of the show.<\/p>\n
“It takes a lot of hard work and effort to get here and without family and friends to help and support us this just wouldn’t be possible.<\/p>\n
“We are so proud of our girl Koto \u2013 she typifies the breed qualities we aspire to with our animals.”<\/p>\n
Ms de Kort said the result represented affirmation of their vision for the future of the Valais Blacknose breed in Australia.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
DEDICATION and persistence have paid off for Colbrook farmers Rob and Julie de Kort, securing the Supreme Champion title at the 2025 Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo. The de Korts’ ewe, Gordilly Park Koto, clinched the top award in the Valais Blacknose category, marking a major milestone for their Gordilly Park stud. The […]<\/p>\n