West Wyalong Maiden Ewe Competition puts Northey ewes on top

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In third place was Sam and Jock Weir, Barmedman, while Glen and Gerard O'Brien, Alleena were given the Encouragement Award.

The day saw six quality entries from across the West Wyalong district and was judged by Glen Rubie, Lachlan Merinos, Forbes (returning) and Ian Griffith, Brundanella Merino Stud, Grenfell.

It was a markedly different day to last year with dust and drought-conditions replaced by flooded causeways and a season many said was the best they had seen.

Competition winners the Northeys are in the midst of changing their flock's bloodline from Austral Eden to Belswick and have also recently pushed back their lambing and changed their maiden shearing schedule as part of their focus on improving survivability.

The August-shorn maiden ewes, which were classed by Michael Elmes, had a 20.7 micron, 104 per cent lambing, cut an average 8.1 kilograms and yielded 69 per cent.

Judge, Mr Rubie said the ewes had great make and shape, great constitution and had been grown out very well.

"Structurally they're very sound and they have great bone," Mr Rubie said.

The second-place winners, Keith, Paula and Mick Rees, again showed off top wool-cutting maiden ewes, with the sister's of the ewes on display cutting up to nine kilograms last year despite the remnants of drought and dust.

The Rees have been on Pooginook-blood for close to 35 years and use Bruce Baker as their classer.

The March-shorn ewes had 19.3 microns, 94 per cent lambing and cut an average 8.13kg with a yield percentage of 49.4 per cent for their 2020 breeding ewes.

Judge, Mr Griffith said there was great nourishment in their wool and they had great heads.

Four associate judges took part in the day and their award was also given to the Northeys.

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