This year Taralga AP&H will join forces with Crookwell AP&H to run a joint competition.  

The announcement of the Supreme Exhibits will be made at the 2016 Crookwell and Taralga shows.

The Pasture Competition has become a very popular item on the farm calendar in and around Crookwell.  

The Show Committee feels that it serves as an important role in raising awareness of modern pasture management, improved pasture species, and the cost effectiveness of various pasture inputs.

Crookwell AP&H will be taking entries from throughout the region, including Crookwell, Bigga, Binda, Tuena, Lost River, Wheeo, Bannister, Grabben Gullen, Roslyn, Laggan and Peelwood.

Entries for the Taralga competition will be taken from districts including Tarlo, Golspie, Yalbraith, Curraweela and Bannaby.

People wanting to inspect the exhibits, listen to the judges comments or ask questions of the farmer can attend the judging on the bus.  

It will be two very informative days.  

It is important to book a seat on the bus as the judging days are a very popular event.

The Laggan Grain Shed will again be the major sponsors for the competition.  

Further sponsorship will be sort from the local business community and the agricultural sector to provide prizes and assist in covering operating expenses.  

There will be five categories and judges will announce the category winners at a function at Taralga at the completion of judging.

The competition is running classes in each of the following categories:

New perennial grass based pasture (< 3 yrs )

Perennial grass based pasture (3 + yrs)

Fertilised native pasture (With Sub-clover)

Lucerne pasture (Should be a pure stand)

Forage crop / short term pasture for hay or silage

This year there will be special encouragement awards for pastures on light soils and pasture establishment.  

The Supreme Champion will be awarded to the pasture that is the most functional and productive in the farming system.

Farmers will be asked to provide soil test results and paddock history for the pastures they are entering in the competition.

The entry fee is $20 per category and up to two entries per farming operation allowed.  Entry forms and conditions are available from the Taralga and Crookwell AP&H websites or from local produce stores in Crookwell and Taralga.

Participants are encouraged to select their paddocks early to ensure that they are well prepared.  

For more information contact Chris Houghton 0409 816 433, Helena Warren 0414 860502 or Rod Hoare 0416 284 419.