More than 40 properties from around the state submitted stellar fleeces from their flocks for judging for the Longford Show tomorrow.
Vying for prizes in six categories – ultrafine, superfine, fine, medium and strong Merino and Corriedale – among them were offerings from Rockford at Bothwell, Connorville at Cressy, Winton at Campbell Town, Beaufront at Ross, Merton Vale at Campbell Town, Glen Stuart at Deddington and Barega at Nile.
The best of the best will take home the coveted Tom Talbot Trophy for Grand Champion Fleece of the Show, an honour established just before the wool industry stalwart and long-time manager of the wool pavilion at the show died in 2019.
Taking over the role keeping order in the shed was his good mate Jim Young, who has farmed his whole working life at Ben Nevis at Blessington and since retirement mainly does a bit of fencing contracting in the Midlands area.
He said he’s always loved wool and feels privileged to be handling some of the best wool in the world at what he reckons is the best one-dayfamily show in Australia.
“Like my old mate Jack Bellinger said: “What animal converts this dry clump of grass into this magnificent fibre, that has graced the global catwalks?” Jim said.
“When you think about it, it is a marvellous creation and this fibre will be on display at the Longford Show in a simple corrugated iron shed for everyone to see and touch and smell.
“There were well over 100 fleeces judged on Thursday and while the price of wool might be half of what is was a year ago, there’s no denying the quality continues to improve.”
Judges this year were Nutrien’s Andrew Murfett and Damien Whiteley and Elders’ Mel Morris.
First and second places in each category will be in line for final judging for the Tom Talbot trophy with the scores for weight, micron and value all tallied.
Two wool growers have also entered the section for wool produced when sheep have been shorn three times in two years.
Genetic selection has resulted in sheep being able to grow wool faster and longer, and with wool mills preferring the wool at a certain length it’s become viable to shear every eight months.
“We’re not far behind Hobart and Campbell Town when it comes to the popularity of the wool section,” Jim said.
“To take home the main prize really means something and provides a stud with a great marketing opportunity for their stock.”
For full results of the wool judging see the Tas Country facebook page.