THERE will be sheep galore on display next Tuesday (May 26) at Everton as part of the Ovens Valley wether production trial.
With 35 teams of 2012-drop wethers in the competition, it is the longest-running wether production trial in Victoria, established in 1989.
In teams of five, the wethers will be fleece-tested and shorn. The fleeces will then be assessed and valued for weight, micron size, softness, brightness, colour, strength and style.
The belly pieces are also valued.
There are podium rights for the heaviest and most valuable fleeces as well as the most valuable team.
As well as local Ovens Valley sheep producers, there are teams competing from Cooma and Yass, NSW, and from the Bendigo district.
Russell Bennett, Everton Upper, is president of the Ovens Valley group and is expecting close competition.
"This is the second year of this particular three-year trial," he said.
"It's been a dry year so it'll be interesting to see how the sheep have travelled."
As well as the wether production trial, there will be a large number of rams on display from north-east Victorian studs.
"We try to make it a worthwhile day for people to come along to, by having a number of stud rams on show as well," Mr Bennett said.
He is also hoping to finish well this year. Early this month he won the wether production trial in Gippsland, narrowly ahead of his brother, Trevor. Both finished ahead of strong Gippsland competition.
The wether production trial will be held at Heywood's shearing shed, Great Alpine Road, Everton.
