TOP SIRE 2025–2026 NSW FLOCK EWE COMPETITIONS The wow factor of resilient Merinos gives “Iventure” the win A run of ewes with “real wow factor” claimed first place in the 35th annual West Wyalong Merino Breeders Ewe Competition. Emma Northey, “Iventure”, Tallimba, had a run of 20-month-old Belswick-blood maiden ewes on display during the competition, which judges Colin McCrabb, Avenel, Wanganella, and Jenni Turner, Quality Wool, Albury, found hard to fault. “It’s a credit to walk into a yard of uncomplicated, big, productive, wool-cutting ewes,” Colin said. “They will cut a tonne of wool. These ewes are just fantastic – they’re all well covered, big barrelled for frame and carcase.” Emma runs a flock of 625 Merino ewes, classed by Michael Elmes. In 2024, the “Iventure” flock recorded a 127% lambing rate and produced an average of 9kg of 20-micron wool. Despite running out of feed in March that year, which saw 95% of the mob with a mid-break in the wool, the yield came back at 71.5%. Emma said they picked up really well and it was a “testament to the resilience of the Merino”. Jenni described the wool as a “real wow factor”. “You’ve got a big, grunty powerhouse of a sheep, but still have a beautiful coat on top as well,” she said. In second place was a run of Kerin Poll-blood ewes from Darryl Kitto, Tallimba. He runs 1900 breeding ewes, which produced a 111% lambing rate in 2024, while recording an average of 8kg of 18.6-micron wool with 63% yield. Judges described the flock as “well-structured” and “productive” sheep. “They are very structurally sound ewes with excellent feet,” Jenni said. “They’re good, big ewes and quite dense. There is whiteness of wool and softness.” Placed third was a run of 21-month-old ewes from Kevin and Rod Anderson, “Springfield”, Tallimba. The Anderson’s run 2300 breeding ewes and have been running on Austral-Eden genetics for more than 40 years. In 2024, they produced an average of 7kg of 20-micron wool, with 73.5% yield. Taking home the Encouragement award was Neil and JulieAnne Penfold, “Devon Park”, Ariah Park, who presented a line of Pooginook-blood ewes averaging 18.7-micron. West Wyalong Merino Breeders Ewe Competition | Friday 14 February 2025 Photo caption. Emma Northey, “Iventure”, Tallimba, with Ellory, looking through ewes in the race during the West Wyalong Merino Breeders Ewe Competition. – 120 –
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