ANZ Agribusiness Merino Flock Ewe Competition

By Brad Cartwright
January 26 2015 - 1:44pm
Spring shorn finalists: Gavin McDonald (Aberdeen), Andrew Treweek (ANZ major sponsor), Cooper McDonald (Aberdeen), Geoff Selmes for Anthony Selmes (Glenayr), Geoff Raynor (judge), John Lowe (Innisvale), Ben Lane (judge), Michael Lowe (Innisvale).
Spring shorn finalists: Gavin McDonald (Aberdeen), Andrew Treweek (ANZ major sponsor), Cooper McDonald (Aberdeen), Geoff Selmes for Anthony Selmes (Glenayr), Geoff Raynor (judge), John Lowe (Innisvale), Ben Lane (judge), Michael Lowe (Innisvale).
Long wool finalist, left to right: Brad Carthwright (Kempton), David Zouch (Hollowmound), Andrew Treweek (ANZ major sponsor), Geoff Selmes (Wahronga), Geoff Raynor (judge), Ben Lane (judge), Brian Anderson (Lower Sylvia Vale).
Long wool finalist, left to right: Brad Carthwright (Kempton), David Zouch (Hollowmound), Andrew Treweek (ANZ major sponsor), Geoff Selmes (Wahronga), Geoff Raynor (judge), Ben Lane (judge), Brian Anderson (Lower Sylvia Vale).
Some of the crowd of 90 onlookers at the recent Flock Ewe Comp at John and Michael Lowe's property "Innisvale". Photos by Paul Anderson
Some of the crowd of 90 onlookers at the recent Flock Ewe Comp at John and Michael Lowe's property "Innisvale". Photos by Paul Anderson

The on-farm judging of the seventh annual ANZ Agribusiness Crookwell Commercial Flock Ewe Competition was held on January 21 and 22. The two judges, Geoff Rayner from Pomanara Merino Stud at Sallys Flat via Mudgee and Ben Lane from Windridge Farms at Young had a hard task to separate the top four long wool flocks and four short wool flocks from the 21 entries on show. The organisers appreciate the time, effort and knowledge brought to this competition by the two well respected judges. Their comments were well received by the crowd and exhibitors alike over both days. Led capably by Head Steward Shannon Arnall, over 200 people visited the various properties to look, listen and learn from the comments of the judges. With flocks entered from Bigga, Grabben Gullen, Tuena and many places in between, an array of various types and styles of sheep were displayed. After the completion of the two days travel the judges were ready for the announcement of the top four flocks in both the short and long wool categories. These participants will exhibit five of their ewes at the Crookwell Show on Sunday February 15 where the placings will be announced at 1pm. In front of a large crowd at the presentations held at the Crookwell Hotel, ANZ Agribusiness Relationship Manager Andrew Treweeke announced the top four short wools (in no particular order); John and Michael Lowe of “Innisvale”, Crookwell; Tony and Natalie Hewitt of “Galmara”, Grabben Gullen; Anthony Selmes “Glenayr, Sapphire Road; and Gavin, Shireen and Casper McDonald. The top four in the long wools as announced by Andrew Treweeke where Geoff and Debbie Selmes, “Wahronga” Narrawa; Brian and Helen Anderson, “Lower Sylvia Vale” Binda; Hollowmount Pastoral Co Bigga with David Zouch as Manager; and Brad and Maria Cartwright, “Kempton” Laggan. The Future Development Award went to Brian Lowe “Pineville” Crookwell. All people who attended the competition were encouraged to try and select the same top eight as the judges prior to the announcement of the finalists. Five people selected seven of the eight finalists, with Geoff Selmes being drawn from the hat and he received a wool garment from Australian Wool Network. All competitors received product and other items from Elanco Animal Health and Landmark. At the Crookwell Show the Australian Wool Network Award will be announced and this is to acknowledge the continued support and commercial improvement of an exhibitor who has not received a finalist placing after three years or more. The People’s Choice Award will be for the crowd’s selection of the best pen of ewes at the Show. All participants are encouraged to nominate fleeces in the Flock Ewe Fleece Competition. (Commercial Section, No 22 of the Show schedule). These will be received up to 9am on Friday February 13. The 21 entries this year make the Crookwell Flock Ewe Competition the largest flock ewe competition in NSW as far as participants are concerned. The crowd following the judging was the largest in the seven years of competition. Sponsorship has helped grow this important event not only as a vehicle for people to show there sheep, but also as a social event. The committee of the Flock Ewe Competition appreciate the continued sponsorship of ANZ Agribusiness. They have been on board from the first talk of this competition and gave the committee the backing to go forward to where it is at today. Other great supporters of this competition are Elders Insurance, Gavin, Shireen and Casper McDonald, Southern Tablelands Fibre Testing, S-W-L Accountants, JD’s Hardware and Rural Supplies, MD and JJ Anderson, Australian Wool Network, Novartis Animal Health, Seed Distributors Goulburn, Duncombe and Co Livestock, Elanco Animal Health, Crookwell Hotel and Motel, Landmark, Bryton Wools, Zoetis Animal Health, McGeechan Farm Supplies, Crookwell Shearing and Scanning, Elders, Merial Animal Health, Carrington Wools, Culley Veterinary Services, Ian McIntosh Lamb Marking Service, Top of the Range Sweets and Treats, Laggan Grain Shed, Coopers Animal Health, Thalabah Merino Stud, Carrabungla Merino Stud, Walwa Merino Stud, Stillbrook Merino Stud, Kirob Merino Stud, Sunnyview Merino Stud, Royalla Merino Stud, Lochness Merino Stud, Hazeldean Merino Stud, Homesville Merino Stud, Merryville Merino Stud and the Crookwell AP and H Society.

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