Return judge, Richard Chalker, Lach River Merinos, Darby’s Falls said he had learnt a lot from being able to look over the various flocks entered in the 89th Annual Merino Ewe competition run under the auspices of the Berridale Agricultural Bureau.
“We have seen some great stock and the Monaro is renowned for their Merino sheep,” he said.
“It looks like tough country, but your stock are very good and it is great to see some of those good old types of stock are still around.”
Mr Chalker said these type of events are a wonderful chance for breeders from other areas to look at sheep and country different from their home.
“You’ve got to come and visit this area and appreciate the effort being put into breeding classy Merinos,” he said.
Shannon Arnall along with others from Crookwell who have participated in the Crookwell Merino ewe competition was very impressed with what he saw on the Monaro.
“You get a chance to meet other breeders and talk to them about their aims and problems which are similar to ours and I recommend others come to these events,” he said.
Receiving the Monaro Property and Livestock, Cooma Trophy for Overall Winner, Neil Lynch was ecstatic about his success.
His May-shorn Main Range-blood flock was considered by the judges Richard Chalker and Patrick Davis, Demondrille Merinos, Harden outstanding for their conformation and productivity.
“My aim is keep my wool in the 18 and half to 19 micron on a healthy sheep which will rear a lamb,” he said.
Mr Davis congratulated Mr Lynch on his magnificent flock of sheep.
“The wool is tremendous, soft, white with great staple length, while the sheep have great spring of rib and back ends, beautiful long jaw and soft muzzle,” he said.
“You have a great type and keep going with your direction, don’t move away from the article you have here which is magnificent.”
Mr Chalker was very impressed and said he would go a long way in Australia to find a better flock.
“These sheep are going to cut you a power of wool, they have good deep and well covered heads, " he said.
“If you look at a sheep’s head and it has a deep jaw it will follow right through with big deep flanks and they are the sheep which are a very good article.”
Mr Lynch also won Elders Trophy for first fine wool, and Manawa Trophy for first under 500 ewes.
The Cottage Park-blood flock bred by Doug Constance, “Werralong”, Berridale won the John Coy People’s Choice Award, along with the Cottage Park Trophy for first medium/strong wool and Hazeldean Trophy for first under 500 ewes.
Neil and Fiona Adams, “Wahroon”, Cooma were awarded Yarrawonga Trophy for second medium/strong wool for their Cottage Park-blood flock.
Ross Walters, “Middleview”, Dalgety was awarded Bindaree Trophy for short wool with his April-shorn, Cottage Park-blood ewes.
Involve stud in breeding program
Neil Lynch, “McCarthy’s”, Berridale likes to do his own classing, but he paid tribute to his neighbour Steve and Greg Tozer who breed the Main Range Merino stud, and from whom Mr Lynch sources his rams.
“I do take on board their comments, and we are very fortunate in having them next door,” he said.
“I think their knowledge when it comes to looking at a sheep which may or may not be worth keeping in the flock is invaluable.”
Judge Patrick Davis told the assembled woolgrowers he thought it a great idea to keep the stud from which the rams are purchased involved with your breeding program.
It is a two-way street, he noted which is of utmost benefit for everyone.
“The stud gets just as much out of it as you do,” Mr Davis said.