THE Merino industry’s major award at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show has upped the prize pool, with the prestigious National Pairs Competition receiving a cash injection of $5000 for first place.
The event showcases Australia’s best Merinos, with the champions from each state vying for the honour of being named the national winner.
NSW’s representation will be exhibited by the McLaren Family’s Nerstane stud, Walcha, with their Sydney Royal Show champion pair.
The Nerstane exhibit is a full embryo transfer brother and sister of fine/medium wool, sired by one of Nerstane’s most outstanding home-bred sires, Nerstane 121.
The Queensland team will be showcased by the Roberts family, Victoria Downs stud at Morven, which includes the Queensland Ewe of the Year.
Trefusis Merino Stud, Ross, will exhibited the Tasmania Merino pair champions, while West Australia will be represented by the Hogg family's Navanvale stud, Williams.
The South Australian champions are still to be confirmed, while the Victorian champion pair will be judged earlier on Friday, July 15 at ASWS.
Australian Sheep Breeders Association president Malcolm Starritt said the event was the national benchmark for the Merino stud breeding industry.
“The (ASWS) at Bendigo is really the pinnacle of Merino judging in Australia,” Mr Starritt said.
This year, the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria has lifted the first price to $5000, making it the highest amount of prize money at the show.
“The winner will be rewarded for taking out the most difficult competition we have,” Mr Starritt said.
He said the RASV wanted to support people that promoted excellence in agriculture. Judging will be based on exhibits’ exceptional wool characteristics and great constitution, Mr Starritt said.
“The winner shows that the stud’s doing the right thing with their breeding - we always hope that those winners translate to having very good studs sales that year. The competition has become part of the tapestry of the show and made it a world class event.”