Organiser Brad Cartwright said the wool and mutton markets had both been strong, as well as increased on-property ram sales this past year. "The competition is a great place to compare wool and body types," he said.

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Last year, Brian and Maddy Lowe of 'Pineville' took top honours with their maiden ewes. The Carrabungla-blood ewes, overall winners, had placed first in the short wool section. Next year is the seventh the 'Pineville' flock will enter.

Being part of the competition was a big advantage for business, Mr Lowe said: "I enter every year to get a bit of feedback on what I'm doing, judging on how I'm progressing, and compare them to other flocks around."

What he had learnt had made a considerable difference to his flock. "I'm still on the same bloodline, but I changed a few of the types of rams I pick and concentrate on fixing a few faults."

Because of tough seasonal conditions, Merino ewes are not quite as well-grown as last year. The flock has had to be fed, but still has a fair bit of wool on.

There are two competition sections: short wool, with sheep shorn from September 1 up to judging day; and long wool, for sheep shorn prior.

Returning judge Georgia Walters of 'Merani Park', Dalgety will be joined by James Barron, principal of Adina Merino and Poll Merino Stud, 'Overdale', Cooma.

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