The two judges, Geoff Rayner from Pomanara Merino Stud at Sallys Flat via Mudgee and Ben Patrick from Yarrawonga Merino Stud Harden had a hard task to separate the top four long wool flocks and four short wool flocks from the 19 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.

After the opening address from head steward Shannon Arnall, who explained the effort that goes into running this type of competition, and even the possibility that it would not go ahead this year the competition was underway. Over 140 people visited the various properties to look, listen and learn from the comments of the judges. With flocks entered from Peelwood, Grabben Gullen, Jerrawa 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 7 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; Brian Lowe “Pineville”, Crookwell; Anthony Selmes “Glenayr”, Sapphire Road; and Gavin, Shireen and Casper McDonald “Aberdeen”, Diamond Road.

The top four in the long wools were Geoff and Debbie Selmes “Wahronga”, Narrawa; Brian and Helen Anderson “Lower Sylvia Vale”, Binda; Dave Culley “Woodbine Park”, South Wheeo; and Peter and Cheryl Anderson “Coral Ridge”, Laggan.

The three new flocks in this year all received great comments from the judges and crowd. These were Barry King “Woodbine”, Emily Anderson “Sylvia Vale” and Doug Branson “The Diamond”.

The interest in the competition continues to grow with at least two properties stating they will be in the competition next year.

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. Two people selected seven of the eight finalists, with Alex Wheelwright and Gavin McDonald receiving 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 Future Development Award supported by Southern Tablelands Fibre Testing will also be announced at the Crookwell Show. 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 6.

The 19 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 amongst the largest in the eight years of competition.

Sponsorship has helped grow this important event not only as a vehicle for people to show their 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, Merial Animal Health, Landmark, Bryton Wools, Zoetis Animal Health, McGeechan Farm Supplies, Crookwell Shearing and Scanning, Elders, 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.