Merino ewes on show

There were eight entrants in the competition, ranging from small operations of less than 300 ewes to larger enterprises running more than 3000 ewes.

Judges for the day were Kym Hannaford, who has managed properties for corporate owners for most his life, including Goolgumbla Merino stud at Jerilderie, for more than a decade.

Mr Hannaford is now the wool area manager at Landmark's Wagga Wagga branch.

He was accompanied by third generation Merino breeder and principal of Karoola Downs Poll Merino stud, James Derrick, Gundagai.

Mr Derrick is also the president of the NSW Stud Merino Breeders Asso- ciation.

Ewe competition veterans Howard and Betty Mangelsdorf, "Chellington", West Wyalong, took out first place with their 19.4-micron, 17-month-old Haddon Rig-blood ewes.

Jason and Leonie Ridley, "Dalkeith", Girral via West Wyalong, came second with their 19.8-micron, 19-month-old-ewes, also Haddon Rig blood.

Slightly finer 19-micron, 17-month-old ewes from the Patton family, Merringreen Farming, West Wyalong, came in at third, as well as taking out the people's choice award.

The encouragement award was given to Paul McClintock, "Garford", West Wyalong, who is juggling working at the local mine with running a small flock of 280, 18.9-micron breeders.

Lyn Allison, "Greendale", West Wyalong, whose flock was also on show in the competition, took out the spectator's judging award for scoring each entry closest to the judges.

Competition organiser Rod Hardie said the day always presented a good opportunity to have a close look at entrant's sheep.

"It's always good to be able to look at someone else's flock and compare your flock with theirs," he said.

"It's a great opportunity for entrants to hear what the judges think and get some feedback on how they can improve their flock."