NSW border closure to disrupt ASWS entries

ASWS committee chairman Rob McCartney said the show would go on, but at this stage he was not absolutely certain how the border closure would affect NSW exhibitors.

"We are working our way through this," Mr McCartney said.

"It is a difficult situation, but we are still hopeful some of the exemptions will be lifted and allow NSW studs to attend."

Nevertheless, he said competition at the show, although diminished slightly by the lack of some studs, would still be of a high standard.

That sentiment was endorsed by ASWS chief executive Margot Falconer, who was fielding a lot of inquiry from NSW breeders.

"There will be less competition and it will not truly be an 'Australian' sheep show," Ms Falconer said.

"But that doesn't take away from the high quality of the sheep coming from Tasmania and South Australia, along with those Victorian entries.

"It is still going to be a cracking show."

But how will the border closure affect the Merino ram sale, one that is central to many studmaster's profitability?

Nutrien Goulburn, NSW, stud stock agent Rick Power said the impact on the Merino ram auction would be immense.

"I can only assume the Bendigo ram sale will suffer," Mr Power said.

"A lot of rams haven't been able to be inspected by fellow studmasters and if those rams aren't able to be on display at Bendigo, then it reduces the ability for those rams to reach their true sale potential.

"Stud breeders are often reluctant to buy a ram if they haven't been able to handle it."

He also indicated some studmasters were reluctant to attend due the uncertainty of lockdown rules and the chance they might have to isolate once returning from Victoria.

Nutrien Dubbo, NSW, stud stock agent Brad Wilson reported clients preparing for the Bendigo sale have listed their rams on AuctionsPlus instead.

"I have been taking photos of each ram and they will be listed with a video and complete description," Mr Wilson said.

"We did it last year for Hamilton and Dubbo, so buyers are familiar with the process.

"At least we will be able to put the rams in front of potential buyers."

He said studs were advertising their rams through social media and in newspapers and if buyers were keen for more information they could contact their preferred agents.