Before judging started at “Bookham Station”, Bookham in the 2017 Bookham Agricultural Bureau Merino Ewe Competition run under the auspices of the Bookham-Berremangra Agricultural Bureau, a minutes silence was observed by friends and fellow woolgrowers remembering the tragic event which claimed the lives of Andrew and Annie Basnett, and his brother Richard on the family property near Gunning.
Judges Ben Lane, manager Windridge Farms, Young and formerly of Uardry Merino stud, Hay and Mick Corkhill, Grassy Creek merinos, Reids Flat, adjudicated on seven flocks grazing on a mix of country in the southwest slopes area.
First place Overall, and sponsored by Elders,Yass, was awarded to the flock bred by Graham and Roy Robertson, “Sutton Grange”, Bookham.
Longtime entrants in the competition and keen to use the event to improve the standard of the sheep, their were very proud to have their flock recognised and also being awarded first in the Selected Best Ten Percent class sponsored by Gordon Litchfield Wool, Yass.
Roy Robertson classes the flock which is based on Tallawong, Merrignee and Yarrawonga bloodlines with average flock measurement of 16.9m with his maiden ewes cutting 5.5kg at ten months.
In the shortwool section, Richard Hyles, “Westbourne”, Berremangra, was awarded the first place sponsored by the Henderson family, Grogansworth Merinos, Yass.
Mr Hyles Yarrawonga-blood flock which he classes, has an average flock fleece weight of 5.2kg measuring 18.1m.
Bill, Margaret and Brett Mackay, “Brookfield”, Bowning, were awarded the Encouragement Prize, sponsored by Bogo Merinos, Yass, for the Merryville-blood maiden ewes.
Mr Mackay classes his own flock, which has an average fleece weight of 4.7kg measuring 17m.