Sheep on show

THOUSANDS of sheep will take centre stage when the annual Australian Sheep and Wool Show is held at the Bendigo Showgrounds from July 19 to 21.

Billed as the largest of its type in the world, this year’s show will be the 145th instalment.

“Early sheep entries are looking wonderful, our trade sites sold out in mid-May, everyone is feeling great about the show and wants to be involved,” said Australian Sheep Breeders’ Association CEO Margot Falconer.

“Our event celebrates the very best in sheep genetics, the most up-to-date farming practices and the technologies that will take us onwards and upwards into the future.”

Everything from Australia’s most prized rams and fleeces, to lamb meals and woollen goods are to be highlighted, as are educational and career pathways.

“It’s all about the opportunities that will help us meet the challenges ahead,” she said.

For the first time, the show will include the rare Valais Blacknose sheep, a breed that originated in Switzerland and is distinct for its long, coarse, white wool, black face and ears, black markings on the knees, hocks and ankles, and spiral horns.

The feature breed will be the Dohne Merino, bred in South Africa from 1938 and brought to Australia in 1998.

They will be among up to 3000 sheep from five states in the livestock sheds, with judging to determine Australia’s top wool and prime lamb bloodlines.

Merino ram and Supreme Dorper sales will be held on the Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Australian Fleece Competition attracts more than 400 entries in classes involving Merinos, Dohnes, Polwarths, Corriedales and other breeds.

Many fleeces are auctioned for charity, with bone marrow organisation Strength to Give chosen as a beneficiary.

Other activities include shearing competitions, the Central Victorian Yard Dog Championships, the Bendigo Festival of Lamb, a careers and technology hub, a fibre market with more-than 300 retail sites, an arts and craft pavilion, twice-daily wool fashion parades, and networking opportunities.

Tickets are available at sheepshow.com, starting at $25 for adults and $17 for students and concessions, with discounts for three-day passes. Children under 15 are free.