Management key to Pendarra clip

Kelvin and wife Jackie were awarded the prestigious title at Sheepvention last week for their 110-bale wool clip that was praised by buyers for its style, presentation and preparation.

Eighty per cent of the top entry, which was classed by Mr Pendergast, was fleece wools, with a 17.9-micron average, yield of 75.3 per cent, length of 98 millimetres and strength 41 Newtons per kilotex.

The 610-hectare property at Benambra in Victoria's High Country runs a 2100-head commercial Merino flock that average 7.75 kilograms of wool per head, and 400 Pendarra Merino stud breeding ewes.

Ms Pendergast said the winning clip had been 12 months in the making and advised wool producers to be consistent with flock management by avoiding sudden dietary changes.

"You can't give them any sudden changes whether it is feed or by going from battling on a dry paddock to a lush paddock of lucerne, because the sudden change can weaken the (wool) strength – as well as the wrong type of drench can also impact," he said.

"As soon as the wool comes off them for the year, you need to manage them correctly to make sure they are looked after.

"Maintaining your sheep and keeping them healthy is critically important, whether it is drenching, feed or animal husbandry."

Mr Pendergast said the accolade was recognition of hard work and gave producers confidence in their product.

"It is no good being a lackadaisy farmer so by being particular you realise good enough is not near enough – you do it to the best of your capabilities," he said.

While the major win went home with the Pendergast family, their Pendarra bloodlines were present in monthly clip wins by long-time Omeo clients.

Alan and Noelene Smith, took-out the November award and Darren and Ali Hayward won January clip of the month.

One of the Hayward's Pendarra bloodlines wool clip was also seen during a visit to China's woollen mills earlier this year as part of the Elders China Wool Tour.

Mr Pendergast said it was encouraging to hear from the mill owner's about demand for quality wool, as well as seeing two Pendarra clients' wool clips on the production line.

As a result of the tour, he anticipated a growing trend for casual wool clothing, as China mills pushed for higher 19-21 micron, more versatile wool.

At the announcement, Elders show floor manager Mal Nicholls said seasonal conditions impacted the results with Gippsland proving more favourable growing conditions for the last financial year.

"The Western District showed the effect of the tougher season so Gipplsand clips, who had a better season, did shine this year," Mr Nicholls said.

"The clips at the top end are improving more and more as you can see the breeding coming through – the shearing teams are also taking an interest in the Clip of the Year which helps with the preparation.

"There is a huge amount of effort that goes into the clips before they are presented for the awards from breeding to pasture management, then in shed preparation needs to be spot on."

Mr Nicholls said while the season was good at the moment, wool prices weren't great.

"They're steady at best so people need these awards as an incentive," he said.

"Everyone is vitally aware they need to have their on-farm management at a peak to be able to continue in the industry.

"If your sheep aren't cutting enough wool, having enough lambs, or your wool isn't looking right on sale days, then you are behind the eight ball and there is no margin in wool growing if you haven't got all those things going."