The inaugural Mid Lachlan flock ewe competition took place last Friday and Saturday with Maurice and Michael Webb, “Merryvale”, Tyagong crowned overall winners of the two-day event.
Thirteen entrants from across the Cowra region presented their Merino flocks for judging by Ben Simmons, Langdene Merino stud, Dunedoo, and Drew Chapman, Hinesville/West Plains stud, Delagate.
Mr Chapman was very impressed by the Webbs’ winning flock and their overall operation management.
“Their consistency throughout was incredible. Wool quality was excellent, very bright and stylish. The sheep had great bone and were well grown. Their overall balance was what set them apart from the competition,” he said.
The Webbs managed an average flock micron of 18.8, with an average greasy wool cut of 5.6kg a head.
Lambing commences on July 7, with the last shearing taking place in mid-October.
They have retained about 700 ewes, with a culling rate of 32 per cent.
The Webbs also took home awards in the finewool less than 18.5 micron category and the short wool and over 500 ewe categories.
Graeme and Adam Wallace, “Melrose”, Wattamondara, were the overall runners up, the winners of People’s Choice on the second day and the medium wool over 18.5 micron winner.
Mr Chapman said the level of management and facilities on “Melrose” were world class.
“The level of production was tremendous. They have produced very consistent, great big cutters. There was very little between the teams with a small number of technical things being the only difference.”
Mr Chapman congratulated organisers on the standards set in a successful inaugural competition.
“The day was exceptionally well run and everything was very professional. I have judged many of these competitions around Australia and this was as well done as any I have been to before.
“The diversity of the country covered was very interesting and it created a great forum for sharing ideas between producers,” he said.
Michael and Lynda Johnston, “Milburn Creek”, Woodstock, took home the People’s Choice award for day one and were winners in the long wool category.
Geoff and Linda Southwell, “Crystal Springs”, Reids Flat were winners in the under 500 ewes category.
The competition was organised by Richard Chalker, Lach River Merino stud, “Lachoona”, Darby’s Falls, and Wayne Beecher, Beecher Wool Services, Cowra.
