Australian Superfine Woolgrowers Association (ASWGA) have announced the Fleece Competition winners for 2019-20.
Congratulations are in order for David and Angie Waters, Tarrangower, Hillgrove in the New England Region for their win in three categories of the ASWGA Fleece competition: the class 80s quality along with first place in the New England region and the big one, the "Cleckheaton Grand Champion" Trophy for the best overall fleece.
"We were excited and honoured to receive the news that we had won the 80's section, the New England region and the Cleckheaton Grand Champion Trophy in the ASWGA Fleece competition this year," Mr Waters said.
"Given the challenging growing season and the high calibre of competitors, it came as a huge surprise and an achievement of we which we are very proud of.
"We would like to thank the sponsors, Bendigo Woollen Mill and The Australian Yarn Co, for their support of the competition and to everyone who contributes to making it a success.
"Congratulations to all placegetters and we wish everyone a favourable season and that international sentiment and wool prices soon improve."
Melissa Mulley, secretary The Australian Superfine Wool Growers' Association Inc. said there were sixty-plus fleeces entered in this year's competition and the results were very close.
Ms Mulley acknowledged the support of sponsors Bendigo Woollen Mill and The Australian Yarn Company for the grand trophy and to AWTA for arranging transport of fleeces for judging.
"We would also like to thank Roberts Ltd, Australian Wool Network, Schute Bell Badgery Lumby and Nutrien Wool for collection and transportation of the members fleeces," she said.
"A special thank you to the fleece committee and Ray Moroney and Bob Menzies, our foot soldiers.
"The actual judging is made easier with the organising, delivery and storage of fleeces and judging space made by Mark Hedley and staff of AWN, not only for ASWGA, but also the Zegna judging.
"It was a huge effort and greatly appreciated by the Association.
"Finally, thank you to judges Greg Andrews of Schute Bell and Lachie Brown from Elders."
Full list of winners
Grand Champion Fleece - 95.5 points - David and Angie Waters of Tarrangower, Hillgrove - New England NSW
90's class - 94.6 points - Carol and Allan Phillips of Glen Stuart, Deddington - Tasmania
80's class - 95.5 points - David and Angie Waters of Tarrangower, Hillgrove - New England
74's class - 95 points - Lesleann and Mark Waters of Riverton, Armidale - New England
70's class - 95.25 points - Ed Hundy of Windradeen, Pyramul - Mudgee
Albury/Wodonga district - 88 points - Andrew and Stuart Drinnan of FibreFine Merinos, Malmsbury, Victoria
Ararat/Barunah district - 93.6 points - Heather and Geoff Phillips of Currawong, Tatyoon, Victoria
Goulburn/Yass district - 94 points - Megan and Danny Picker of Hillcreston Park, Bigga
Hamilton district - 94.05 points - Victoria & Bradley Venning of Kilmarnock, Hamilton, Victoria
Mudgee district - 95.25 points - Ed Hundy of Windradeen, Pryamul
New England district - 95.5 points - David and Angie Waters of Tarrangower, Hillgrove
Tasmania - 94.6 points - Carol and Allan Phillips of Glen Stuart, Deddington
Western Australia - 90.4 points - Faye and Jim Pepper of Mumballview, Mumballup
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