TOP SIRE 2025–2026 NSW FLOCK EWE COMPETITIONS Gunning all rounders claim the win Bill and Louise Schumann, “Goldsmith”, Gunning, claimed first prize at the ANZ Agribusiness Gunning Flock Ewe Competition with what judges described as a “good all round flock”. The Schumann’s have been runners-up for the past two years, but the impressive fertility of their GRASS-blood ewes has helped them claim top spot in the competition this year, which ran on Friday 7 February. The hard task of judging on the day was given to Mitch Rubie, Lachlan Merinos, Forbes, and George Henderson, Bowning, who said the Schumann’s flock had a high lambing percentage for the region. “It was a very good all round flock,” George said. “They’re well balanced for wool, meat and fertility, and going to cut plenty of 19-micron wool.” In 2024, the Schumann’s joined 586 ewes to Merinos and marked 723 lambs – a lambing percentage of 123%. Their main fleece line averaged 19.2-micron, while the hoggets averaged 16.6-micron at their June 2024 shearing. The Bogo-blood flock of Campbell and Jo Basnett, “Nerragundah”, Gunning, was placed second. “They’re a good fine wool flock,” George said. “Very even in type and, for their micron, would cut a good amount of wool. They’re improving each year and going in the right direction.” The “Nerragundah” ewes averaged 18.2-micron in the main fleece line and 17.5-micron in the hogget line at their 2024 shearing. The Basnett’s joined 2502 ewes to Merinos in 2024, marking 2544 lambs. The flock is classed at 29% by Mal Peake and Austin Grace. Terry and Min Byrnes, “Lilstan”, Dalton, finished in third place and also claimed the People’s Choice Award with a line of Tamaleuca and Yarrawonga-blood ewes. The Byrnes’ class their own flock at 30% and joined 240 ewes in 2024, weaning 100%. In fourth place was a line of Carrabungla-blood ewes presented by Matt and Bec Hewitt, “Allamby”, Gunning. They are classed by Mark Hedley and average 17.4-micron. Fifth place was awarded to Scott and Melinda Medway, “Mt Pleasant”, Gunning. They have been increasing their ewe numbers, joining 530 ewes in 2024. Their flock is also classed by Mark Hedley and averages 17.9-micron. Anthony Hall, “Newline Farm”, Oolong, was highly commended for his Billa Burra Burra-blood flock, classed by Scott Medway. In 2024, he joined 1500 ewes in 2024, with the flock averaging 18.7-micron. Anthony was also awarded the AWN Future Development Award. ANZ Agribusiness Gunning Flock Ewe Competition | Friday 7 February 2025 Photo captions. 1– Spectators looking through Bill and Louise Schumann’s GRASSblood flock at “Goldsworth”, Gunning, which placed first in the ANZ Agribusiness Gunning Flock Ewe Competition. 2– Judges George Henderson, Bowning, and Mitch Rubie, Lachlan Merinos, Forbes. 3– Jo and Campbell Basnett, “Nerragundah”, Gunning, with their second placed Bogo-blood ewes. 1– 2– 3– – 118 –
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