Exceptional evenness and depth secures the trophy Over 50 spectators joined the annual Doug Bicket Memorial Ewe Competition tour, where the best Merino flocks from the Parkes district were on display. Peak Hill farmers Ray and Judi Unger, “Waratah”, were awarded first place in the competition, judged by Nigel Roberts, Dunbogan, Elong Elong, and Alistair Wells, One Oak Poll, Jerilderie. With over 50 years of farming experience, taking home the trophy was a significant feather in Ray’s cap after being named the runner-up in the 2025 competition. The Unger’s farm has organic certification with no synthetic fertilisers, pesticides or chemicals used within their production system. While this has presented several challenges, Ray said he was committed to the system. “We select for heavy cutting, white wools that will shed water, minimising fly problems,” he said. “Being organic and not using chemicals in our cropping program means our sheep play a key role in weed control and prevention of seed set leading into a cropping phase via grazing.” The Unger’s have used Westray Park genetics for more than 30 years, with Ray Cannon classing the flock. The March-shorn ewes produced a lambing figure of 115% and clearly impressed the judges with their production potential. “These ewes are run under an organic system that I can only imagine is challenging at times,” Nigel said when offering feedback. “The evenness and depth across this team was exceptional and, despite a tough season, the productivity and returns out of these ewes will be exceptional.” Craig and Liz Tanswell, Milpose Pastoral Company, “Milpose”, Goonumbla, were awarded second place for their Egelabra-blood flock. The Tanswell’s aim to produce Merino ewes with bright, white wool and work with classer Andy McLeod to achieve that goal. “We aim to produce uncomplicated ewes that produce a good amount of white, 19-micron wool and carcass traits that allow us to turn off our wether portion quickly and for good returns,” Craig said. When offering judges’ feedback, Alistair said the ewes presented as an outstanding mob of commercial ewes. “They are clearly wellclassed and an exceptionally even line-up of ewes that appear to be very well managed, reflecting a lifetime of experience and breeding.” First-time entrant Davey Moss, V Moss and Sons, Peak Hill, claimed the encouragement award with their Overland-blood flock. The Unger’s and Tanswell’s went on to represent Parkes at the Central West Association of Agricultural Shows Maiden Merino Ewe Competition on Thursday 5 March. Doug Bicket Memorial Ewe Competition (Parkes) | Friday 27 February 2026 1– 2– 3– Photo captions. 1– Emily Hall (centre) of Agriwest Parkes presenting Judi and Ray Unger, “Waratah”, Peak Hill, with the first place trophy. 2– Joy Wright presenting Liz and Craig Tanswell with the runner-up trophy. 3– Spectators inspecting sheep during this year’s competition. (Photos: Supplied) – 125 –
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