The inaugural Victorian State Merino Field Day took place at the Marnoo Events Centre last Friday, with over 500 people flocking to the town to check out some of the best Merino studs the state has to offer.
While Marnoo has been running the event for 30 years, this was the first time that it had been expanded to feature statewide Merino studs.
The event also featured over $12,000 in gate prizes and awards.
Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster MP, was in attendance and received some expert advice from Mayor of Northern Grampians Shire Council, Cr Kevin Erwin, in the art of wool classing, before presenting the winning ribbons for the inaugural Victorian Champion March Shorn Hogget Ram competition to:
● 1st - Robert Harding - Glendonald Merino Stud, Nhill, Victoria.
● 2nd - Norm Weir - Kerrilyn Merino Stud, Dunluce, Victoria.
● 3rd - Clarie McGauchie - Terrick West Stud, Prairie, Victoria.
Member of the Marnoo Merino Breeders, Tim Polkinghorne said, "From our perspective the event was a huge success with the overwhelming number of people who came over to Marnoo to take a look."
"We've already had lots of positive feedback on the day and I think everyone is looking forward to the event continuing on and growing into the future."
Mayor of Northern Grampians Shire Council, Cr Kevin Erwin said, "We congratulate everyone who had a hand in organising the event, it was a tremendous day and there's certainly capacity for it to grow even bigger in the future."
"Thanks also to Dr Anne Webster for coming along and providing her input into the event, and of course to the stud breeders around the state for their support as well."
