The annual Holbrook Sheep and Wool Fair is a regular feature for secondary students and stud sheep breeders from the Riverina and northern Victoria, and this year it is being held 14 to 16 June.
The first day of the fair is "Schools' Day" and is dedicated to educational workshops for participating schools, before they compete with their school sheep in the Schools' Interbreed Competition.
Students from Kooringal High School in Wagga Wagga will once again be participating, exhibiting rams and ewes bred in the school’s Poll Dorset stud.
One of those involved with preparing the sheep is Jess Meyers, who is excited about attending the event because of the great experience and being part of a team.
“We get the chance to work with sheep which is not available if we don’t come from a farm,” Ms Meyers said.
“Being involved with the school’s show team is good fun and it also is helpful for team leadership.”
Troy Piercy who is also studying agriculture at Kooringal High School said he was learning skills and gaining experience which will be useful on his family’s farm at Big Springs.
Mr Piercy is hoping to have an agricultural career when he leaves school.
“I am interested in doing a course at university to get me started with a career in agriculture,” he said.
Kooringal High School took a team of Poll Dorset sheep to last year’s Holbrook Sheep and Wool Fair, and were beaten into second place behind another secondary school based in Wagga Wagga, The Riverina Anglican College.
Agriculture teacher at Kooringal High School, Stephen Reynolds said he hoped this year’s team will go one better.
