Entries up on previous years at the annual Hay Merino Sheep Show
Numbers at the Hay Merino Sheep Show were up on previous years
attendances with 300 people and 400 sheep from fifty properties and studs
vying for the title of Champion.
Also adding to the day a blade shearing competition, junior judging and the
presentation of sponsorship for a new local education initiative.
The Annual Hay Merino Sheep show is the start of the show season for
properties and studs and an opportunity for those in the industry to network,
swap advise and socialise with friends not seen for a while.
2014 Sheep Show Ambassador, Sandy
Circuit was presented with a numbered tie
in recognition of his Ambassadorship.
Each year one numbered tie is presented
and Sandy’s is lucky number 7.
Seven competitors tried their hand at the
Blade Shearing Competition. Justin
Campbell of Bonooke station won the
trophy (Middle), but a young learner won
the heart of the crowd.
Fifteen year old Andrew Murray from
Wellington, learned to shear at the Sydney
Show in April this year. Although well
outside the allotted time, Andrew kept
going to finish shearing his sheep and the
crowd applauded the young lad for his
tenacity and style. Andrew was presented
with the Shear Outback Blade Shearing
Encouragement Award.
Australian Wool Industry (AWI) C.E.O (Chief Executive Officer) Stuart McCullough,
Chris Bowman and Sandy Symons.
Hay Inc Rural Education is a local committee, started 12 months ago to
establish a farm skills training centre for young people seeking a career on the
land. As Jackeroo and Jillaroo numbers decrease, there is becoming a
shortage of training arenas for youngsters to get a start in the farming industry.
Hay Inc. Plans to fill that training gap with talented trainers delivering fully
accredited courses.
AWI has come on board with the presentation of a cheque for $24,000 as
sponsorship for the first twelve months of the program. Once up and running
the program will start with twelve to fourteen students.
YANCO Agricultural High School teacher, Ellie Quinn
(nee: Lugsdin) brought a busload of students over for the
Hay Merino Sheep Show. Some of the students entered
the Junior Judging competition with Zac Lilley taking
second place.
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