Under a clear and warm sky, welcomed by spectators and studmasters alike, the 2016 South West Slopes Stud Merino Breeders Field Day held at the Harden Showgrounds, once more showed the strength and determination of committed Merino breeders.
Moved at the last moment to the Harden Showgrounds, due to damp conditions at Galong, committee president John Roxburgh expressed the gratitude from his committee to the Harden Show Society.
But the move didn’t interfere with the day, with visitor numbers on par with previous field days, and many appreciating the ease with which they moved around the various displays.
Paraded before competition judge, Ben Simmons, Dunedoo, return judge James Derrick, Gundagai and associate judge Georgia Walters, Dalgety, 12 young Merino rams competed for the 2016 SWS Stud Merino Breeders Ram of the Year sponsored by Riverina Wool Testers, Wagga Wagga and Bromar Engineering, Grenfell.
To much acclaim, the nod was given to Yarrawonga 1073, paraded by Sam Phillips, Yarrawonga Merino stud, Harden.
The 2015 drop ram, which will be offered for sale at the annual on-property sale was bred in the Yarrawonga ‘Purple’ family and was sired by Yarrawonga 67, sold for $22,000 at the 2014 auction.
The ram has measurements of 17.9 micron, SD 16.1 and CF 99.6, and semen will be retained by the Yarrawonga stud.
Competition judge, Ben Simmons, Langdene Merinos, Dunedoo, said ram was flawless for his structure, and correct on his feet.
“He wool was very even across his body, a clear winner in a very strong lineup,” Mr Simmons said.
Five teams paraded before the judges competing for the SWS Stud Merino Breeders Pen of Three Merino Hoggett Rams – Wendouree Perpetual Shield sponsored by CJ Anderson and Co, Grenfell.
The nod was given to Grassy Creek Merino stud, Boorowa, ahead of Demondrille Merino stud, Harden and Brundanella Merino and Poll Merino stud, Grenfell.
Associate judge, Georgia Walters said judging was very tight between first and second.
“It was an excellent lineup of sheep and it presented us with a challenge, but we gave it to Grassy Creek who had a very even group,” Ms Walters said.
“The wool was soft and good to handle on correct sheep.”
The Fashion Parade, introduced by Sheree Darmody and sponsored by AWI, Bush Boutique, Woolerina, The Loft, Lady Kate and Bow and Arrow saw six local mannequins present the various garments made from wool.
For his commitment to the field days, Jack Whitechurch, was presented with Life Membership by John Roxburgh.
