TOP SIRE 2025–2026 NSW FLOCK EWE COMPETITIONS Boardman brothers’ flock hard to fault at Taralga Superfine ewes from Taralga brothers Chris, George and James Boardman claimed the top spot in the ANZ Agribusiness Taralga Flock Ewe Competition, which attracted a crowd of more than 50 spectators. They had a run of 17.7-micron Carrabungla-blood ewes on display at “Charlefield”. Judges Emma Northey, Tallimba, and Neil Lynch, Berridale, commended them on the consistency of the flock, noting the good management of nutrition and condition by the Boardman’s. “They’re pretty hard to fault,” Emma said. “They speak for themselves. It’s hard to critique.” Following feedback from previous competitions, the Boardman’s changed up their shearing schedule. They were previously shearing in July before lambing in the last week of August, which they said was tough on the ewes. Since changing, the ewes have a four-month staple going into lambing, which has helped lambing and marking rates. They have also started classing their ewes since first entering the competition and said the results are “chalk and cheese”. Competition entrants were commended for the consistency and quality of their flocks by the judges. “It’s unfamiliar territory for me. I’m used to big red sheep with red dust in them, so it’s wonderful to be able to see something different,” Emma said. “Commercially, it takes a lot of guts to do it. It’s not just inviting people out to judge your flock – they’re judging facilities and driveways and everything else too.” Five finalists were selected from the flock ewe competition tour and the winners were announced at the Taralga Show on 9 March. Brian Corby, “Bunjie”, Taralga, placed second and joined the Boardman’s in representing Taralga at the Southern Tablelands Regional Flock Ewe Championship on 21 March. Brian and his son, Simon, had Carrabungla-blood ewes on display, averaging 18.7 to 18.9-micron fleeces. “They are well grown and healthy,” Neil said when handing down judges comments. “It’s some of the most even wool I’ve looked at in a long time.” In third place was Steven Mills, “Seamens”, Bolong, which Neil commended for their wool quality. “There’s good character there and style, and certainly big, broad muzzles on them,” Neil said. ANZ Agribusiness Taralga Flock Ewe Competition | Friday 28 February 2025 Photo captions. 1– George, Chris and James Boardman, “Charlefield”, Myrtleville, placed first in the competition with a run of Carrabungla-blood ewes on display. 2– Judges Emma Northey, Tallimba, and Neil Lynch, Berridale. 3– Steven Mills, “Seamens”, Laggan, came third in the competition. 4– A crowd of more than 50 spectators followed the competition circuit. Photos: Kristen Frost. 1– 2– 3– 4– – 126 –
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