By Abby Walter

Organisers of the fourth Wimmera Autumn Merino Sheep Show at Maydale Pavilion are hailing the event a success.

Horsham Agricultural Society’s chief fleece steward Ian Walter said about 140 stud sheep were on show at the event.

“The comments were favourable. We had 40 entries in the fleece section of the show,” he said.

“We had eight entrants in the junior judging competition.

“This is the fourth Wimmera Autumn Merino Sheep Show hosted in Horsham and it was another successful event.”

Robert Harding of Glendonald Stud, Nhill, won the Tom Harmsworth perpetual trophy for supreme fleece of show and most valuable ram fleece.

Alan and Judy Hutchinson won the Austin Eagle champion commercial fleece of show, most valuable commercial fleece, champion weaner fleece and the aggregate.

Melrose Merino Stud won most valuable ewe fleece.

John Dalla of Orrie Cowie Merino Stud, Eyre Peninsula, won the supreme sheep of show with his ram.

Horsham Agricultural Society secretary Andrea Cross said it was lovely to see young people involved in the event.

“In our junior judging each year we see young people come through and some return in the competition, as Ava Harris won again this year, but also we see them potentially judging in future years,” she said.

“The junior judging is a growing element of the event, which is encouraging to see.

“We also had a contingent from Longerenong College as stewards and participants and it’s great we can keep the relationship with our local agriculture college going.”

Mrs Cross said the enthusiasm from young people at the show was like a breath of fresh air.

“It’s encouraging to see there are some who are keen to join the Horsham Agricultural Society and we’re now looking at a potential new sheep section in the September show,” she said.

“I have come away from this event feeling hopeful for the future in terms of the livestock industry at show level in our community.

“We start setting up a week before the show and there’s hard work put in by our volunteers, ably led by our chief fleece steward Ian Walter who does an enormous job. We need to see continued support from our local woolgrowers.”

Mrs Cross said the event was a social occasion, as well as a challenge for woolgrowers to pick their best sheep and best fleeces.

“The show comes with prestige and self-development for woolgrowers,” she said.

Danni Wilson of Tamaleuca Merino and Poll Merino Stud in Ouyen is a key organiser of the event.

She said the Wimmera Autumn Merino Sheep Show was a success and sheep numbers were up, with each stud bringing a few more sheep than in 2023. “We had 24 sheep studs and lots of fleeces on show,” she said.

“Quality was good – it’s the first event in a series of shows, so it’s good for breeders to bring out the sheep for their first outing.

“We enjoy the Horsham facilities, it has good pens, beautiful buildings and is a good location for a show.”

The entire March 27, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire March 27, 2024 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!