Riverina Merino 2008

Tom, 20, from Poll Boonoke Stud at Deniliquin in New South Wales, was the winner of the Wesfarmers Landmark Pennefather Trophy for the Best Junior Judge at the 2002 Riverina Stud Merino Field Day held at Shear Outback in Hay, last September.

As part of his Award, Tom recently completed an educational tour of major New Zealand Merino properties, taking in eight different commercial ventures during the three-week visit. The tour was centred in the northern parts of the South Island, in the Blenheim, Christchurch and MacKenzie Basin regions. The size of the properties varied between 5,000 and 40,000 acres, with some properties in the regions being as large as 400,000 acres.

Tom was enthusiastic about the whole experience. “Without any exception, all the people I met on the trip were willing to share their experiences and knowledge, and were keen to learn about the way we do things in the Riverina Region. I met lots of great people, saw some wonderful properties, and would recommend the experience to anyone who wants to progress their career in the industry.” He then added, “Whilst their rolling hills and valleys are still green, the New Zealanders too are concerned about a lack of rainfall and anticipating drought conditions.”

Many facets of the family-owned operations were similar to Tom’s experience at the company-run property he works at in Deniliquin, there were still some small differences. “There was plenty of mustering done on foot,” he said from his Poll Boonoke jackaroo quarters, “and we were often out-numbered by working dogs at least three or four to one.”

Tom also had a chance to try his hand at Junior Judging during the trip, participating in two shows. He noticed distinct differences in both the sheep and the conditions, and noted that the Merinos he saw needed great versatility to survive in areas of vastly different topography and rainfall. “On the whole, the sheep were smaller,” he said, “and the properties were concentrating on fine and superfine wools, rather than the medium wools that we work with at Poll Boonoke.”

Industry professionals recommend the Riverina Stud Merino Field Day Junior Judging Competition for young people who want to progress their career in the industry. James Osborne, Stud Manager at the Poll Boonoke Stud where Tom works, agrees. “Whilst several entrants could choose the winning order of sheep in the competition,” he said. “Tom shows qualities that make him a great contender for these types of accolades. He clearly recognises the finer points of the merino, and is confidently able to substantiate his reasons, and give a clear and articulate presentation of his choices.”

This year’s Riverina Stud Merino Field Day will be held at Shear Outback in Hay on September 12, 2003. Nominations for the Junior Judging, membership and general Field Day enquiries are welcome at any time, and may be addressed to the Executive Secretary, Wendy Spencer, on (02) 6959 1180 or email: wendy@riverinamerino.com.au