Aiming for stud-quality proves a winning formula for Walters A local shearer has claimed the top prize in the oldest Merino ewe competition in Australia. Eleven wool growing operations were on display across the district for the 95th annual Berridale Ag Bureau Monaro Merino Ewe Competition. Shearer-turned-wool grower Adam Walters, Numbla Vale, collected multiple awards in the competition, including the Cottage Park Trophy for first place in the medium/strong wool category, the Gary Thompson Memorial People’s Choice in the ewe hogget category and overall champion. Adam joined 235 ewes in 2023, using Avonside and Yarrawonga genetics within his flock. His maiden ewes average 18.7-micron, while the adult flock average 19-micron. “I’ve improved my flock by trying to get more of a stud-quality base and keeping them commercial,” Adam said. In second place and taking home the Yarrawonga Trophy in the medium/strong wool category was Darcy Barnes, “The Point”, Numeralla, with a run of Avonside-blood maiden ewes, averaging 18-micron. Towonga’s Garry Kopp, who was judging at Berridale for the first time, said the quality of the flocks on display “defied conditions”. “For the season they’ve been through, they were in exceptional condition.” He commented that the competition’s entrants presented flocks with good wool cutting potential and quality wools on their backs. “There are some exceptional flocks down here. In an area that is predominantly grazing with very little else as income, these sheep have to perform”, Gary said. Judging alongside Garry was AWN Rural’s Scott Thrift, Narromine. Matt Jacobs, “Wattle Grove”, Cootralantra, entered the competition for the first time in 2025, presenting a run of his Main Rangeblood hogget ewes for inspection. In 2023, Matt joined 450 ewes, retaining 110 head out of the ewe lamb drop. The maiden ewes at “Wattle Grove” average 16.5-micron, while the adult flock averages 18-micron. Matt’s flock was awarded the Arable Trophy for first place in the fine wool category and the Greg McGufficke Trophy for first place in the novice category. Also taking home a swag of awards was Robert Hain, “Glengyle”, Rocky Plain. He presented a run of 18.2-micron Main-Range-blood maiden ewes, which were awarded the Snowy Plains Trophy for most improved amongst several others. The Manawa Trophy for first under 500 ewes was awarded to Neil and Vicki Lynch, “McCarthy’s”, Cootralantra, for their Main Range-blood flock, while Richard Maguire, Adaminaby, picked up first place in the hogget category, taking home the Mildon Trophy. The Bindaree Trophy, awarded for first place in the short wool category, was awarded to Raymond Crowe for the third year in a row. He presented a run of October shorn, Cottage Park and Bindaree-blood maiden ewes. 95th Berridale Ag Bureau Monaro Merino Ewe Competition Friday 2 and Saturday 3 May 2025 Photo caption. 1– Award winners from the 2025 Berridale Merino Ewe Competition. Front: Jamie Lette, Neil Lynch and Matt Jacobs. Back: judge Garry Kopp, Luke Jones, Robert Hain, Adam Walters, Darcy Barnes, Raymond Crowe, Richard Maguire and judge Scott Thrift. 2– Opening up the wool on maiden ewes at Adam Walters’ Numbla Vale property. 3– Spectators looking over Richard Maguire’s Mildon Trophy winning hogget ewes at Adaminaby. Photos: Berridale Ag Bureau. 1– 2– 3– – 131 –
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