The first day of the 12th annual ANZ Agribusiness Crookwell Flock Ewe Competition drew a large crowd when eight flocks opened their gates for display and competition.
Return judge Georgia Walters, Dalgety was partnered by Alan McCormack, Walwa Merinos, Gurrundah after James Barron, Adina Merino and Poll Merino studs, Peak View was unable to attend due to bushfire duties.
Mr McCormack had only just completed two days of judging the fine wool classes at the 2020 Rabobank Great Southern Supreme Merino show in Canberra.
Focus throughout the day was on breeding productive Merino sheep and to that end both Ms Walters and Mr McCormack stressed the potential of the Merino as a true dual purpose sheep.
Certainly that possibility was highlighted when Tony and Natalie Hewitt yarded their Winrock/Hillcreston Park-blood superfine wool maiden ewes.
They are committed to producing the traditional superfine wool demanded by the Italian spinners and Mr Hewitt was emphatic they will not be deterred from that course.
"I might be a bit old-fashioned but I like the superfine wool," he said.
"I am still trying to put a bit of body under the fleece but am happy with what I've got."
Mr Hewitt noted his three and half year wethers and recently cut five and half kilograms fleece (not yet sold) and returned $184 for off-shears wethers when sold through SELX Yass.
There were eight flocks on display, and all were a credit to their breeders for condition and style of sheep and fleece.
Comments from the judges included the value of having a professional classer to give an oversight of the flock direction, focus on the functionality of the sheep and maintaining high rates of fertility.
The competition continues on Thursday 23 January with a further seven flocks to be on display.
The top four flocks in each category of long wool and short wool are invited to be on display during the 2020 Crookwell Show when the awards will be announced.
