Baronlonga’s well presented flock takes top honours More than 60 spectators turned out for the Lake Cargelligo Show Society Maiden Merino Ewe Competition, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Seven flock entries were on display for the competition, under the scrutiny of judges Garry Kopp, Towonga, Peak Hill; Tom Kirk, Bundemar, Baldry, and associate judge Lindsay Brown from the Elders National Wool Selling Centre in Ravenhall, VIC. A large flock of 960 Belswick-blood ewes from Paul Northey, Baronlonga Pastoral Company, Weethalle, took the top honours, with judges noting they were well presented, well balanced and structurally sound. Their ewes averaged 20 to 21-micron and cut 9kg per head. Michael Elmes classes the flock, culling at 34%. With more than 2500 breeding ewes in his flock, Paul said he has changed how he runs twins and singles for better management on the farm. Paul now runs them together in year groups, but caters to the number of twinning ewes in each mob. For the second year in a row, Betty and Philip Hall’s Avenel-blood flock came in as runner up. They run 1030 breeding ewes at “Trelynne”, Weethalle. The judges were impressed by the “beautifully nourished” wool of the ewes, which were described as “balanced with a good back end and good width right through”. Classed by Colin McCrabb, the flock averaged 8.5kg of 19.4-micron wool. Barry, Vicki, Stephen and Jared Carruthers, Four Corners, placed third with their One Oak Poll-blood flock, also classed by Michael Elmes. Their ewes cut an average of 8.5kg of 21-micron wool and were described by judges as having a “cracking, even wool type with good conformation, structure and balance”. The encouragement award was won by brothers Doug, Brad and Glenn Hart, Hart’s Pastoral Co, Naradhan, for their run of Goolgumbla-blood ewes, which cut an average of 7kg of 19-micron wool. There was plenty of discussion around eight-month shearing with the Hart family recently changing to the shorter schedule, finding that management was difficult to balance with cropping, heat and the Christmas period causing delays. The presentation dinner was held at the competition’s conclusion with Maree Stockman recognised for her 30 years’ of dedication to the event. The Lake Show Society Maiden Merino Ewe Competition was started in 1995 by Maree and Bill Worland, along with a number of other committee members, after a visit to the West Wyalong Merino Breeders Ewe Competition the previous year. Since 1997, Maree has held the secretary position, making her an integral part of the event’s success. She is the longest standing competitor and proudly displays her 16 trophies from her ewe competition placings over the years. “Her support has helped to make the Lake Cargelligo competition thrive for 30 years,” said organiser Linda Thomas, who will now take over as secretary. “Maree’s enthusiasm for the Merino industry and the ewe competition is contagious and very long standing.” 30th Lake Cargelligo Show Society Maiden Merino Ewe Competition Friday 7 February 2025 Photo captions. 1– Judges Lindsay Brown, Tom Kirk and Garry Kopp pictured with first placegetter Paul Northey and Lake Cargelligo Show Society Maiden Merino Ewe Competition President Justin McCarten. 2– Betty and Philip Hall, “Trelynne”, Weethalle, with Colin and Amanda McCrabb, Avenel, Wanganella. 3– Garry Kopp presented Maree Stockman with a certificate and gift on behalf of the NSW Stud Merino Breeders’ Association, recognising her 30 years’ of dedication to the competition. They are pictured with Justin McCarten. Photos: Linda Thomas. 1– 2– 3– – 117 –
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