The Tallawong/Yarrawonga/Stocton-blood November-shorn flock placed ahead of Joe Byrnes, Wood Park, Cullerin with Bocoble-blood September-shorn ewes.

Namaroo Pastoral Co, Nerragundah were awarded third place. In fourth were the Boxleigh Park/Blyth-blood ewes entered by Greg Hallam, Springfield, followed by the Alfoxton/Blaxland-blood flock bred by Belinda Minehan, Wyuna.

The competition was judged by James Derrick, Karoola Poll Merinos, Gundagai and Alex Wilson, Kalaree Poll Merinos, Tarago.

Return judge, Mr Derrick considered the Hewitt’s flock worthy winners for their evenness of type and growth.

Mr Hewitt said, they decided to go through each of the age groups of ewes, but especially the older ewes, and take out those which were not up the standard. This got the rest of their flock through a very dry winter and spring.

“It gave us some breathing space, and even though we have been feeding we have been able to keep our sheep in good condition.

“We also sold our wethers straight off their mothers for $70.”

Mr Hewitt said, while this is not normal practice to sell their wether as lambs, but, last year the price was worth taking. “We knew it was going to be a battle and we decided it would be best to save the feed for their sisters.

“We have quite a bit of confidence in the wool industry so it is worthwhile looking after our sheep as best we can.”

They also shut up much of their country to give their pastures an increased chance of recovery, and he is hopeful of a reasonable Autumn break. “We have a green pick and 20mm rain will get us going for the Autumn,” he said.

For the 2018 season, 1050 Merino ewes were joined with 1017 lambs being weaned.