This event is believed to have the largest number of entrants of any Flock Ewe Competition in NSW.

While the Tablelands received good rainfall at the end of February 2018, there was 113mm recorded at Crookwell, warm and exceptionally dry conditions that followed meant that by the end of March soil moisture was starting to severely restrict plant growth.

However, the patchy nature of the February rainfall also meant that significant variation existed across the region in terms of the amount of green pasture available to livestock and soil moisture in the profile. 

Hot and dry conditions continued right through autumn, with Crookwell recording its fifth driest autumn since 1960.

The odd rainfall event did manage to keep a very short green pick in front of the stock, however again, rainfall proved to be very patchy. In most cases some form of supplementary feeding was required to prevent stock from losing condition.

Widespread drought conditions across the state not only resulted in exceptionally high grain and hay prices, but also created significant supply issues.

The dry autumn meant that the region went into winter with very little feed in the paddock. Cold temperatures heavily restricted pasture growth and supplementary feeding became increasingly important for winter lambing ewes as they approached lambing.

There were a number of cases where pregnancy toxaemia reared its head and some flocks lost lambs from mis-mothering due to nutritional stress.

By the end of winter paddock feed was at historically low levels for many areas across the Southern Tablelands. Thankfully August provided some much needed moisture heading into spring.

Unfortunately spring followed a similar pattern to last year - a very dry September followed by below average rainfall in October.

This dry spell resulted in annual grasses quickly putting up a seed head and pastures weren’t able to generate a lot of bulk, especially the drier areas at lower elevation (i.e.<750m elevation).

Pastures in the Crookwell region at higher elevation were able to withstand this dry spell to a greater degree and responded well to the late spring rainfall.

Locally, 2018 could be summed up as a drought year that was extremely variable in its severity and impact. Some areas were very lucky with rainfall, while other areas missed out.

Thankfully, commodity prices for wool, lamb and mutton were all exceptionally strong and helped absorb high feeding costs. This was one of the biggest differences compared to previous droughts.

“This competition is a great opportunity to view on-farm many different wool and body types within the merino industry in the local Shire.” 

Return judge Matthew Codddington of ‘Roseville Park Merino Stud’ at Dubbo will be joined by Georgia Waters of ‘Merani Park’ at Dalgety. Georgia has vast experience in the merino industry judging at shows over NSW. 

Two days have been set for judging on Wednesday and Thursday, January 23 and 24.

Following on farm judging, the eight finalists will be announced.

Four finalists will be chosen in two categories: the shearing dates up to September 1, and the spring shorn section, that is, ewes shorn from September 1 2017 up until judging day.

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

The selections will be announced following the appraisal at a presentation dinner at the Crookwell Services Club on January 24.

These finalists will have five of their ewes at the Crookwell Show on Sunday, February 10 and the final placings will be announced. 

ANZ Agribusiness is the return major sponsor as well as great support from local Merino studs, business houses, drench companies and the Crookwell AP & H Society. 

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 for this event which will take place on March 15.