TOP SIRE 2025–2026 NSW FLOCK EWE COMPETITIONS A tough day for judges saw the Stuckey’s secure the title A strong contingent of eight Merino flocks from across the Condobolin region were on display for the 45th annual Don Brown Memorial Merino Ewe Competition. It was a tough day for judges Henry Armstrong, Pemcaw, Dunedoo; Rick Power, Nutrien, Grenfell, and associate judge Bateson Pittman, Glenburnie, Walcha, who had the important task of selecting the top flock of the day. Competition veterans Tom and Kate Stuckey and family, Corella Partnership, “Corella”, Condobolin, secured the champion title with a line of Belswick-blood ewes, described as “strikingly even” by judges. Classed by Chris Bowman, the “Corella” flock is culled at a rate of 36.4%. Their 2023-drop consisted of 810 lambs, with 515 retained in the flock. When providing judges comments, Henry described the ewes as being an even line with ideal coverage. “They are very productive and structurally sound sheep that present well,” he said. Rick also provided comment, noting how well classed the flock was. “It doesn’t matter which pen you jump into, there are very minimal faults,” he said. Mark, Carol and Brad Jones, “Flamingo”, Condobolin, placed second for the fourth year in a row. They also won the Rabobank Peter L’Estrange Memorial Award for best pen of six ewes. Their 2023-drop consisted of 910 lambs, of which 786 were retained – a culling rate of 30%. Utilising Lachlan Merino genetics, Glen Rubie is the flock classer. Phillip, Bernadette, Harold and Meg Crouch, “Karu”, Condobolin, placed third. Their flock was described as profitable sheep and displayed good traits for femininity and fertility, according to associate judge Bateson. “They have some tremendous growth, length of body and good structure about them.” The John Coy Memorial Award for a new or improved entry was won by Gavin and Amelia Stuckey, Mookabri Pastoral, Condobolin, for their Belswick-blood ewes. Their flock is also classed by Chris Bowman. Graham, David and James McDonald, McDonald Bros Farming, Condobolin, were recognised with the Ian Munro Memorial Perpetual Award for best short wool flock for their display of The Yanko-blood ewes, classed by Michael Elmes. The Gordon McMaster Classer’s Award was again won by Chris Bowman. 45th Don Brown Memorial Merino Ewe Competition (Condobolin) Tuesday 18 February 2025 1– Photo captions. 1– Corella Partnership won the 45th Don Brown Memorial Merino Ewe Competition. Pictured are Kate, David, Tom and Vicky Stuckey, classer Chris Bowman and Gavin Stuckey. Photo: Kathy Parnaby, The Condobolin Argus. 2– Classer Glen Rubie, Lachlan Merinos, Forbes, with runners-up Mark, Carol and Brad Jones, “Flamingo”, Condobolin. 2– – 122 –
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