Farm tours and fine dining

The event starts on Friday May 18, where constituents attending will arrive to a welcome reception at the Mercure Hotel on Lockyer Street in Goulburn.

A tour at ‘Hillcreston Park’ in Bigga on Saturday May 19 will be the prelude the evening’s presentation dinner, where the prestigious ASWGA Fleece Competition Awards will be presented.

A second farm tour at ‘Talaheni’ in Murrumbateman is scheduled for Sunday May 20.

National president of the Australian Superfine Wool Growers’ Association, Danny Picker of Hillcreston Park, says the farm tours encourages a get-together for like-minded wool producers.

“It’s a chance for producers to learn more about the industry and be updated on any changes,” Mr Picker said.

“They give farmers the opportunity to mix and share information.”

At Hillcreston there will be eight speakers including Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) General Manager Research, Jane Littlejohn.

Ms Littlejohn will be speaking about AWI’s current and future research and developments and insights.

Troy Laboratories will be demonstrating lamb sedation using Buccalgesic and guest speaker Paul Vallely of Countrywide Wool Testing will be talking about the current supply of traditional superfine wool.

On display will be woollen products and a selection of superfine sheep as well as side sampling demonstrations.

On the Sunday at Talaheni, guest speakers include Trent Fordham of Riverina Wool Testers and Mary Goodacre of Sheep CRC.

At the presentation dinner on the Saturday evening, the winning fleece from each superfine region of Australia will be presented.

The evening will also herald displays from Bendigo Woollen Mills, Bendigo and a presentation from platinum sponsors, Australian Wool Network (AWN).

“Importantly our newest wool mill members from around the world will be presented with their membership certificates,” Mr Picker said.

“These include Bendigo Woollen Mills and G. Schneider of Switzerland.”

All winning fleeces will be on display during the evening.