Champion wool handler Sophie Huf has claimed the title of Australia’s best.
The Hawkesdale farmer was one of two named 2016 National Woolhandling champions at Warialda, NSW on Sunday.
Representing Victoria for the third time, Ms Huf said she had only been competing for nine years and hadn’t expected to win.
“To be Australian champion when you’ve only been in the state team three times is basically unheard of,” she said.
“I’m very chuffed to have done so well.”
Growing up on a sheep farm, Ms Huf said wool handling was in her blood and second nature as she was also a shearing and wool handling trainer in Hamilton.
She said the competition was judged on the quality of the job, the visual elements, timing and clean up.
“There’s a lot of pressure to compete and it’s a really tough competition,” she said.
“But I think having my son there… it put my nerves away.”
Ms Huf said she was proud to represent the industry and will compete in the world titles next year.
