The future looks bright in the Condobolin area Attendees of the Don Brown Memorial Merino Ewe Competition would say the future of the sheep and wool industry is promising after seeing the next generation of farmers showcased at the 46th annual event. With the best of the Condobolin district’s Merino flocks on display and every entrant a past winner, it was a tough gig for judges Alistair Keller, Elders, SA; Brent Flood, Banavie Merinos, Marnoo, VIC, and associate judge Paddy Lowe, Laggan. The quality of the ewes presented by the Neal family, R. Neal and Co, Condobolin, stood out for the judges, who went on to place them at the top of the podium. Robert and Belinda Neal, along with Alex and Louise Wells, run Gundarimbah-blood ewes at “Lockerbie”, where they faced tough seasonal conditions in 2025, receiving only 262mm of rainfall compared to 689mm the previous year. When offering feedback on the Neal’s flock, Alistair said their champion ewes were a great example of productive sheep with impressive wool cut and frame. “The quality here is very good considering Condobolin has had a tough time with seasons this last year and a half,” he said. “A lot of the Neal family ewes would slip into any stud breeding operation.” Robert spoke of his daughter Louise and her family returning to the farm after the COVID years, which he described as “refreshing”. “There are a lot of young people active on farms in this district, both boys and girls,” he said. “They bring their partners and find jobs. The signs of young people are encouraging.” Runner-up for the 2026 competition was awarded to McDonald Bros Farming, consisting of Graham, David and James McDonald. They farm “Nyora”, Condobolin, where they run The Yanko-blood ewes, classed by Michael Elmes. In third place, and also winning the best pen of six, was the Crouch family, Karu Pastoral, “Big Weebah”. The Ian Munro Memorial Perpetual Award for a short-wool flock went to Tom and Kate Kirk, “The Gilgais”, Condobolin, for their Bundemar-blood ewes. Tom was also presented with the Gordon McMaster Classer’s Award. 46th Don Brown Memorial Merino Ewe Competition (Condobolin) Tuesday 24 February 2026 1– 2– 3– Photo captions. 1– 2025 Condobolin Young Woman, Maddison Donnelly, alongside Belinda and Rob Neal of R. Neal and Co, “Lockerbie”, Condobolin, winners of the 46th Don Brown Memorial Merino Ewe Competition. 2– Maddison Donnelly, with David, James and Graham McDonald, McDonald Bros Farming, took home second place. 3– The Gordon McMaster Classer’s Award went to Tom Kirk, pictured with Maddison Donnelly. (Photos: Kathy Parnaby, The Condobolin Argus) – 123 –
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1