Third instalment a ‘brilliant’ result

BY ABBY WALTER

Horsham Agricultural Society hosted its biggest Wimmera Merino Sheep Show on Sunday, with 160 sheep exhibited at the event’s third instalment.

The show, at Horsham’s Maydale Reserve, included the Wimmera Fleece Show and Wimmera Yard Dog Trial.

The society’s executive officer Andrea Cross said to have 160 sheep exhibited was a ‘brilliant’ result.

“We had more than 200 people attend, which is good numbers for a show of a specific breed,” she said.

Wurrook Fine and Superfine Merino

Wools won grand champion ewe and Terrick West Poll Merinos won grand champion ram.

The most successful exhibitor was Orie Cowie, a merino and poll merino stud based at Warooka, South Australia.

Belbourie Merino and Poll Merino

Stud principal Paul Hendy judged the strong and medium classes and Ben Hartwich, of Mt Challicum Merino Stud, judged the fine and superfine classes.

Mrs Cross said it was good to see more women involved in studs exhibiting at the show.

“The number of women representing studs and coming through their family businesses is really good,” she said.

“Claire McGauchie represented Terrick West Poll Merinos, who won champion ram, and Ava Harris, of Koole Vale Merino and Poll Merino Stud, won the junior judging.

“We’re seeing a shift in the industry and there’s a great future in agriculture for everyone.”

The yard dog trials were run under the Victorian Yard Dog Utility Farm Dog Association by local delegates. Volunteers ran the Wimmera Fleece Show and used the showcase as an opportunity to fundraise for Wimmera Legacy.

Craig Eagle, of Glenera North Merinos, won grand champion fleece of the show.