THE enthusiasm of the wool industry and its producers was high as the Boorowa region celebrated 30 years of the Boorowa Flock Ewe Competition on February 16.
Twelve strong flock entries were put on show from a range of new and return producers, some of which have taken part in the competition since its inception in 1988.
But it wasn’t just the number of entries increasing this year. The numbers of spectators that joined the judges as they toured property after property was notably higher than previous years.
Returning from last year was judge Tony Inder, Allendale, Wellington, who was joined by Hamish McLaren, Nerstane Merinos, Woolbrook. They spent the day assessing flocks and were impressed by the overall quality entered.
“Everyone has come up in standard and are at a high level,” Mr Inder said comparing the competition to last year.
“The quality of entries is a credit to all entrants here today,“ Mr McLaren said.
The entrants that made the top five were WL. Mason, Boorowa, Andrew Green, “Clear Hills”, Boorowa, Bruce and Narelle Nixon, “Clovelly”, Frogmore, Ben and Tonya Johnson, Somersby Pastoral, Boorowa, and Bill Hurley, “Old Killanear”, Boorowa.
Flocks were also entered by Pat and Sue Dwyer, “Ingleside”, Yass, Matt McGrath, “Clear View South”, Boorowa, Dermot McGrath, “Clear View”, Boorowa, Dymock Agriculture, “West Killanear”, Boroowa, Roger and Karen Warren, “Cains”, Boorowa, Tim McGrath, “Hopefield”, Boorowa, and Tony and Peter Croker, “Willowdale”, Rugby.
Competition chief steward Rick Power, Landmark Boorowa, said this year was by far the best line up in the 30 years the competition has been running.
“To make the top five is an absolute credit due to the quality number of teams,” Mr Power said.
“We will have two magnificent teams to represent Boorowa in the Southern Tablelands Flock Ewe competition.”
The winners of the 30th annual Boorowa flock ewe competition will be announced at the Boorowa Show on March 2 and 3.