The Queensland Merino Stud Sheepbreeders Association is planning to stage a mini version of its annual state sheep show at Mitchell in July, in conjunction with judging for the 2020 Royal Queensland Show wool competition.
This year's state sheep show was due to be held at Cunnamulla for the first time in its history but was cancelled along with the rest of the show schedule when coronavirus restrictions hit.
QMSSA secretary Candice Roberts said that although most stud Merino breeders had downsized their teams in response, they were still feeding those they hoped would provide a show fleece for next year, and so they may see a total of 50 sheep competing at the Baynham Woolshed on July 20.
"People have put the feed and effort into their sheep - we thought the day being planned at Mitchell would be an opportunity for them to have one show for the year anyway," she said.
Tara was the only show that staged a stud sheep competition before the lockdown was implemented.
As far as its availability to the public, Ms Roberts said that would depend on the rules in place at the time.
"It won't be a big event," she said.
Speaking about the Ekka wool competition, which is now open for entries, Bruce Lines similarly said it would gives exhibitors an opportunity to showcase their wool, despite the cancellation of the 2020 event in Brisbane due to COVID-19 social distancing measures and public gathering restrictions.
The wool competition is open to fibre producers of skirted fleeces and features 10 classes, covering both flock and stud. Entries close on July 15.
Fleeces must be securely packed and delivered to either Victoria Downs at Morven or to Mr Lines at the Roma GDL office by Friday, July 17.
Alternatively, the RNA will re-pack and re-address or deliver exhibits to any nominated authorised wool broker, classing house, or place of origin, but return freight is the responsibility of the exhibitor and must be prepaid.
"There hasn't been a lot of fleece collection this year but we will do what we can with what we've got," Mr Lines said. "Fleeces from the latter part of last year will still present well, and it keeps the profile of wool out there."
Related: Ekka fleece comp is a go
He said the venue chosen for the judging, the Baynham Woolshed at Mitchell was a new six-stand raised board shed built by the Brumpton family, which was a positive development in itself.
Ms Roberts said the QMSSA was still planning for the 2021 state sheep show to take place at Longreach, given that the annual general meeting for the Australian association of stud Merino breeders was already in train for that location and time.
"But Cunnamulla has put in a lot of effort and we'd all like to go there so hopefully it can be scheduled in a couple of years time," she said.