Only six Merino flocks entered the 36th annual flock ewe competition held under the auspices of the Boorowa Show Society and sponsored by ANZ Agribusiness and Corkhills Ag Services.
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Nevertheless, a very keen crowd of Merino breeders attended the day, enthralled by what production can be garnered from the sheep through skill and appilcation.
Judges were Sam Picker, Hillcreston, Bigga and Richard Chalker, Lach River, Darby's Falls, while associate judge was Paddy Lowe, Thalabah, Crookwell.
The Merino is an adaptable animal bred to suit the environment, the breeders genetic ambitions and the breeders management expertise.
One entrant, Craig Pearsall told the crowd his aim was to see what production he can bring from the Merino on his country east of Rye Park.
"I like challenges and just seeing what I can do with my sheep," he said.
"I aim for an easy care sheep, but am still pushing the profit drivers."
Mr Pearsall shears twice a year, and has not treated his sheep for fly prevention since the November shearing.
"They get one drench a year, and I have also tried joining my ewes as lambs," he said.
"I will see how that will go.
"I use teasers prior to joining and that tightens up my lambing."
Mr Pearsall said 42 per cent of the ewes judged were twin born.
Flocks entered:
- Bruce and Narelle Nixon, Frogmore, with Tara Park-blood ewes May-shorn
- Craig and Diana Pearsall, Rye Park, with November-shorn Gunnegalderie/Boxliegh Park-blood ewes
- Tom Gunthorpe, Rye Park, with September-shorn Grassy Creek-blood ewes
- Matt McGrath, Boorowa, with June-shorn Tara Park-blood ewes
- Dermot and Teena McGrath, Boorowa, with June-shorn Tara Park-blood ewes
- Murray Dymock, Boorowa, with May-shorn Royalla/Koonwarra-blood ewes.
All flocks will have a display pen at the Boorowa Show on March 2, when the place getters will be announced.
Stephen Burns
Jackaroo on Merino sheep studs in the Riverina, a lifetime working on the land with sheep, cropping and cattle. Graduate Charles Sturt Uni with degree in Business and a Dean's Certificate. Graduate C.B. Alexander Agricultural College
Jackaroo on Merino sheep studs in the Riverina, a lifetime working on the land with sheep, cropping and cattle. Graduate Charles Sturt Uni with degree in Business and a Dean's Certificate. Graduate C.B. Alexander Agricultural College
