Merino industry leaders Will Roberts and Steve Phillips are set to judge the 2020 Southern Tablelands Flock Ewe Championship (STFEC) on March 20.
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The World Federation of Merino Breeders president and Queensland wool grower, Mr Roberts of Victoria Downs, Morven will return from a two week merino conference and tour in New Zealand to judge the competition.
Studmaster Mr Phillips of Yarrawonga in Harden is the South West Slopes Stud Breeders Merino Field Day president.
He said they'll be judging the production and profitability of each flock including lambing percentages, wool cut and body weight.
"The teams that are being presented are all first or second place candidates in their local competition so the standard is going to be very high. There will probably be a bit of nit-picking to find the top ones," Mr Phillips said.
They will judge the top flocks from Boorowa, Crookwell, Gunning and Taralga including Flowerburn, Glenayr, Allamby, Naamaroo Pastoral, Clear View Partnership and Killanear.
Crookwell Flock Ewe Competition winners Brad and Maria Cartwright of Kempton, Laggan and Gunning Flock Ewe Competition winners Narrelle and Bruce Nixon of Clovelly, Frogmore were unable to take part in the championship.
Winners of the Taralga Flock Ewe Competition will be announced at Taralga Show on March 14-15.
"It's exciting to see the championship grow and secure high calibre judges that can bring with them not only their merino knowledge but also industry perspective," the STFEC Committee said.
Stud master and sheep classer Tom Kirk from Baldry, NSW will also be there on the day to talk about what he's learnt from the Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) as a member of the Wool Industry Consultative Panel and what the company has planned for the group.
Mr Kirk also represents the Commercial Merino Ewe Competitions Association.
About 100 young and budding students will also have the chance to learn about the commercial merino industry through hands on junior judging and to take part in career talks at the STFEC.
A total of 38 flocks entered into the local competitions at Boorowa, Crookwell, Gunning and Taralga.
Organisers said it was an outstanding result in a harsh year for merino producers who have faced adverse conditions presented by the drought.
"Even with the number of entrants reduced, strong and interested crowds participated in the local competitions," the STFEC Committee said.
There was plenty of discussion on drought management strategies, mulesing and other animal health practices at the local competitions, the committee said.
"With such a tough season for producers who have incurred an increased work load with feeding stock, the STFEC presents an opportunity to have a break whilst spending the day looking around the district, talking with other producers and industry personnel, seeing how others have approached the drought, breeding, animal health and an array of other topics which are discussed throughout the day."
The 2020 Southern Tablelands Flock Ewe Championship will start in Taralga at 7.40am, before heading to Crookwell, Gunning for lunch at 12.15pm and onto Boorowa at 5.30pm for presentations at the Court House Hotel. RSVP for presentations to Ally Jaffrey on 0428 739 405.
