Russell and Marg Bennett, Everton Upper, were surprised winners at Gippsland Sheep Breeders Association’s (GSBA) annual Merino wether production trial.
After 16 years of entering a team of wethers, it was their first time on the winner’s podium.
“I’m quietly over the moon. The best I’ve done in 16 years of competition is fourth,” Mr Bennett told Stock & Land.
“I was hoping to finish in the top 10.”
The team of five wethers he entered was bred out of Toland ewes joined to a new ram, purchased from Bogo Merino stud, Yass.
It is the first team of Bogo progeny Mr Bennett has entered in Gippsland’s wether production trial.
His brother, whose property is next door at Everton Upper, completed the route from northeast Victoria.
Trevor and Louise Bennett took second-place honours, with their wethers based on Rocky Point and Toland bloodlines.
Local woolgrowers and winners of this year’s Flock of the Year, Garry and Kaye Davidson, Walpa, came a close third place, with their team based on Middleview bloodlines.
The judges were impressed with the fleeces on show from 17 teams, including two commercial breeders from Yass competing for the first time this year.
“I thought the wool today was very impressive,” said Rodwell’s Michael Dekleuver.
“The style of wool was exceptional and a lot of teams showed very even traits.
“The heaviest fleece was a standout with its crimp and style and we weighed it twice.”
Russell and Marg Bennett also took line honours for the most valuable fleece, an impressive 7.7-kilogram, 18.5 micron, valued at $71.80.
Results
See video and photographs online.