At the recent Annual General Meeting of the Flock Ewe committee, Shannon Arnall was returned unopposed as Head Steward to again run this very successful competition. Michael Lowe retained the position of secretary.

In order to continually improve and grow the competition, this year there will be eight finalists announced at the conclusion of judging. Four finalists with shearing dates up to September 1 and four finalists in a new spring shorn section, that is, ewes shorn from September 1, 2014 up to judging day. This gives spring shearing growers out there a little extra incentive to put their flock before the judges.

With the wool market finally rising of late and solid on-property ram sales this year the competition is a great place to compare wool and body types.

The on farm judging of the local flocks will take place on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 January, 2015. The carry over judge from last year is Ben Lane, pastoral manager of Windridge Farms at Young. Mr Lane has also been stud manager at Uardy and Koonwarra Merino Studs. As a relatively young person in the Merino industry he brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the competition. The new judge for the upcoming competition will be announced soon.

This competition, in its seventh year, has grown into one of the largest of its kind in NSW. Last year twenty one entries were received and already interest has been shown from new competitors for this year’s event.

A bus will be following the on farm judging in January. More information on the travel arrangements for the bus will be published when full numbers are known. Nomination forms have been sent to previous entrants and graziers who have shown interest in joining this competition. Any interested graziers who have not received and entry form may do so by contacting Michael Lowe (secretary) on 48 322 441. Nominations close on November 30, 2014.