The impact of tough seasonal conditions leading to a lack of ram numbers entered for its Ballarat Merino ram sale has seen the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society (BAPS) sheep committee cancel this year's sale.
According to the committee the numbers of rams entered would not allow a viable auction to be held.
The BAPS Sheep Committee, has granted all auction vendors will the opportunity to showcase their stud rams, and offer them privately if so desired, at the 2019 Victorian Sheep Show.
The committee, headed by chair, Jonathan Tischler, was committed to ensuring that it deliver on vendor's expectations and would look towards 2020 for a Ballarat Merino Ram Sale to again feature at the Ballarat Showgrounds.
According to the committee, the relaunch of the Victorian Sheep Show at its new home, Ballarat Showgrounds, would continue.
Events being held included a Wool Fashion Parade, working dog competition, Ballarat Alpaca Show and many trade exhibitors.
Mr Tischler, and BAPS executive officer, Lucy Quartermain, were focused on ensuring the strong delivery of a 'bigger and better sheep show' which had attracted more entries than last year and a bigger and stronger sponsorship base.
While just a one day event, BAPS's focus was on building on the rebranded Sheep Show to build an event that would become an extravaganza showcasing all sheep breeds, fibre, food and fashion.
With much renewed vigor in wool, Australian Wool Innovation Runway Project would be a feature on the catwalk along with woolen designers including Homie, Branberry and Interknit, Merino Snug, La Sierra Alpaca and the Creswick Woollen Mills.
A President's Breakfast, available from 7.30am on the morning of the show, was another initiative this year. Sponsored by Sinclair Meats and Bean Me Up Mobile Espresso it would include a "hearty breakfast" along with guest speaker, Suzanne Lewis from SL Farmer Wellness. Ms Lewis would talk about mental health and wellness. Proceeds from the breakfast would be donated to Ballarat Foundation.