Return judge Craig Wilson of Craig Wilson and Associates will be joined by Matthew Coddington of Roseville Park Merino Stud at Dubbo, to appraise the entrant’s flocks. Mr Coddington needs no introduction to the Crookwell Ewe competition as he was one of the judges in its inaugural year.

In the tenth year of this prestige’s local competition, the Flock Ewe committee decided to have Matthew back as judge and it will be interesting to hear his opinion on the improvement, or not, of the local flocks. He and his wife Cherie, were awarded the NSW Farmers – Farmer of the Year award in 2013.  

Twenty two competitors have entered in this year’s competition and now has the largest number of entrants of any Flock Ewe Competition in NSW.

The two days set down for judging are Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 January 2018.

An air condition bus will be leaving the Crookwell Services Club on Wednesday and Thursday at 7am sharp.

Seats must be booked and to do so ring Michael Lowe 02 48322441 or 0407552619. A small cost will apply.

The eight finalists will be announced at the conclusion of the judging.

Four finalists with shearing dates up to September 1, and four finalists in the Spring Shorn Section, that is, ewes shorn from September 1, 2017 up to the judging day.

This gives spring and summer shearings an extra incentive to show their sheep to the public and judges.

The two judges will announce their selections after the two days appraisal at the Crookwell Hotel on Thursday 25 at 7.30pm.

These finalists will have five of their ewes at the Crookwell Show on Sunday February 11, 2018, where the final placings are announced. ANZ Agribusiness is our return major sponsor as well as great support from local Merino Studs, Business Houses, Drench Company’s and the Crookwell AP&H Society.

In conjunction with the ten years of competition, the committee is having a Presentation Dinner to reflect and celebrate the success of the Ewe Competition.

This will be held at the Crookwell Services Club on the evening of January 25 at 7pm.

For catering purposes names must be in to Michael Lowe by January 19 (0407552619) at a cost of $25 per head.

With wool prices at the highest level for over five years before the Christmas recess, and mutton prices also solid, seventeen different merino bloodlines and various soil types, this competition is a great opportunity to view on-farm many different wool and body types within the merino industry in the local Shire.

The two flocks that are announced as winners of their respective section will be invited to enter into a regional competition.

Crookwell, Taralga, Gunning and Boorowa Flock Ewe competitions have combined to create this event which will take place March 17, 2018.

The full schedule – Wednesday January 24, departing Crookwell Services Club 7.00am                          

Thursday January 25 departing Crookwell Services Club 7am