TOP SIRE 2026–2027 NSW FLOCK EWE COMPETITIONS Tough times lead to great day for “Clear View South” The best of Boorowa’s Merino flocks were on display during the Boorowa Show Society and Boorowa Merino Breeders’ Association Flock Ewe Competition, with seven local producers represented. Around 50 spectators joined the tour on Friday 20 February, with competition winners announced the following weekend at the 136th annual Boorowa Show. The McGrath family, “Clear View South”, Boorowa, were awarded first place by judges David Motley, Nyngan, and Pat Davis, Demondrille, Murrumburrah. It was a good win for the McGrath’s who suffered a tough winter with massive losses in the flock. “It was a tough time for a long time, with a hard autumn leading into it,” Matt McGrath said. In the lead-up to the competition, the district received 80mm of rainfall, which was met with plenty of optimism from local farmers, given the additional improvements in the wool market at the same time. “We want to capitalise on this current wool market,” Matt said. “It’s in good territory, let’s hope it stays there.” The McGrath’s wool averaged 17.9-micron across their main fleece line and 16.5-micron across the hoggets at their June 2025 shearing. Their flock, which also claimed the People’s Choice award, is based on Tara Park genetics and classed by Guy Evans, with 24% classed out. Competition steward-in-charge, Ben Johnson, said it was always a highlight to learn from wool growers who were willing to open their gates as part of the competition, which they hoped would expand to a two-day event in the near future. “It’s such a great day where we get off the farm and go learn,” Ben said. “I’m grateful beyond words that people are willing to open their gates, make the time to let people look at the sheep and have a chat.” The Dymock family, “Macclesfield”, Boorowa, have been taking part in the competition for about 14 years and secured second place. Their flock, a mix of Royalla and Koonwarra-blood ewes classed by Rick Power, averaged 18.7-micron across the main fleece line. With the retirement of Winston McDonald and the Royalla stud, Murray Dymock said their objective was to maintain their wool cut with future ram selections. Rory McGrath, Clear View Partnership, Boorowa, was placed third, while Tony Flanery, “Goorama”, Galong, placed fourth. The Joyce Mason Encouragement award was presented to Bernard Wright, “Woolpack Creek”, Boorowa, for his Grassy Creek-blood flock. The two top flocks from “Clear View South” and “Macclesfield” went on to represent the district at the ANZ and NSW SMBA Southern Tablelands Flock Ewe Championship on Friday 20 March. 38th Boorowa Show Society and Boorowa Merino Breeders’ Association Flock Ewe Competition | Friday 20 February 2026 Photo captions. 1– Winners of the 2026 Boorowa competition, Danny and Katrina McGrath, Jack Corkhill, Molly, Matt and Caz McGrath, “Clear View South”, Boorowa. (Photo: Supplied) 2– Murray Dymock, Dymock Agriculture, Boorowa, with his second placed Royalla and Koonwarra-blood ewes. (Photo: Eliza Spencer, The Land) 3– Teena, Rory, Marty and Dermot McGrath, Clear View Partnership, “Clear View”, Boorowa, placed third. (Photo: Supplied) 1– 2– 3– – 122 –
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