TOP SIRE 2025–2026 NSW FLOCK EWE COMPETITIONS “Blink Bonnie” impresses judges with balance and evenness The Bathurst Merino Association celebrated its 30th annual Maiden Ewe Competition this year with seven growers opening their farm gates to a crowd of more than 60 people. Allan Clarke, Dubbo, and Glen Rubie, Lachlan Merinos, Forbes, were the judges for the event, which was sponsored by Rabobank. Entering as a commercial producer for the first time, Kaye Moore, “Blink Bonnie”, impressed judges with the “beautiful balance and evenness” of her Merino flock. She presented a run of 2023-drop ewes, averaging 18.6-micron. Kaye and her late husband Peter ran Blink Bonnie stud at Tarana and the commercial flock is based on their genetics with a Roseville Park base. The “Blink Bonnie” flock averaged 6kg of wool in the main fleece line and 4kg of wool in the hoggets in 2024. Col McPhee, Bathurst Merino Association, said the ewes presented a very even line. “I think Peter would be very proud,” he said. Kaye was awarded the Warwick Larnach Memorial Trophy for first place and the People’s Choice Award. In second place, receiving the Peter Moore Memorial Trophy, were Barry and Jill Lang, “Sweet Wattle”, Essington, with a run of Mumblebone-blood ewes. The Lang’s flock averaged 5.4kg of 20.4-micron wool in 2024. From 600 ewes in the 2023-drop, the Lang’s retained only 45%, focusing on fertility, structure, wool quality and worm resistance. When offering comments, judge Glen said the flock showed strong traits in both wool and carcase. Taking home the Nutrien Ag Solutions Trophy for third place was Richard Webb, Ganguddy Partnership, “Wonga”, Tarana. He had a run of Tallawong-blood ewes on display, which averaged 15.9-micron and 4.4kg wool cut in 2024, including lambs. The Elders Encouragement Award was awarded to Tom Robert and John Bestwick, “Euarra”, O’Connell. Their line of Bella Lana-blood ewes averaged 4kg of 18-micron wool at their eight-month shearing in May 2024. 30th Bathurst Merino Association Maiden Ewe Competition | Friday 7 March 2025 Photo captions. 1– Judges looking over the first placed ewes on display at Kaye Moore’s Tarana property, “Blink Bonnie”. 2– Opening up the wool on “Blink Bonnie” ewes. 3– Richard, Bruce and Marjorie Webb at “Wonga”, Tarana. 4– The crowd looking over ewes at Hugh and Sue Webb’s Oberon property, “Grand Vista”. More than 60 people were in attendance on the day. Photos: Kirby McPhee, Bathurst Merino Association. 1– 4– 2– 3– – 128 –
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