THE Swan Hill District Agricultural and Pastoral Society Show provides a platform for the region to showcase their skills and talents, while also highlighting the district’s vibrant agricultural industry.
Off the back of a favourable autumn and winter and what is shaping up to be a wet spring, senior steward of the fleece competition Carl Fox said he was expecting some high quality exhibits at this year’s show.
“We’re expecting some pretty good wool to be produced this year due to the standard of feed which is available at the moment,” Mr Fox said.
“We haven’t had much dust so I would expect some very good, clean fleeces.”
While entries are still being finalised, Mr Fox said they would extend throughout the district with competitors from both sides of the river.
Judged on a points system, judges will be looking at a range of things, including the strength of the wool, weight and yield of the wool.
Mr Fox said the static wool display provided an opportunity for farmers to showcase their stock, providing a snippet of their farming achievements.
“A lot of people are interested in seeing what others are producing,” Mr Fox said, noting the competition was open to everyone and also included a section for alpaca fleece.
A highlight of the fleece competition is the Doug Lay Memorial Award which incorporates a combination of three Merino fleece, either fine, medium or strong skirted.
The late Mr Lay was a contractor shearer within the district and played an integral role over the years in promoting the fleece competition and securing entrants.
“The idea of this award is that the three fleeces simulate a flock of sheep,” Mr Fox said.
“It gives growers an opportunity to showcase the continuity of their wool and sheep.”
