Riverina Merino 2008

Sims Uardry takes out Elders Silver Jubilee Riverina Ram of the Year

The prestigious Elders Riverina Ram of the Year was once again hotly contested with entrants from Boonoke, Caroonboon, Concordia, One Oak No 2, One Oak, Poll Boonoke, Pooginook, Sims Uardry, The Yanko, Uardry, Wanganella and Willandra.

Judges of the event, which was held in conjunction with the Hay Sheep Show, were Ray Lewis of the Lewisdale stud, Wickepin WA; Geoff Davidson of the Moorundie Park stud, Gulnare SA and John Daniell of the White River stud, Port Lincoln SA.

The winning sire, selected from six finalists, was Sims Uardry “Bertie”. The judges chose the ram for his scale, shape and excellent wool quality. Western Australian stud breeder, Ray Lewis described him as the modern type of Merino the industry is looking for.

The Sims Uardry ram weighed in at 94kg at 12 months of age, and tested 20.9 micron, 3.3 SD, 15.9 CV with a 99% comfort factor. “Bertie” (or Sims Uardry 6.96) is a half brother to the ram purchased by the Willurah stud for $20,000 at the Dubbo National Sale in 2005.

Elders State Wool Manager, Frank Jones, presented Chris Bowman with a cheque for $2000, silver tray and a bronze ram to celebrate the Silver Jubilee milestone. The Riverina Ram of the Year award has been won by Charles Mills (Uardry) Pty Ltd for a record sixth time.

Chris Bowman, Uardry General Manager and the President of the Riverina Merino Field Days, thanked Elders for their wonderful commitment and support over the 25 years of the very successful Riverina Ram of the Year competition. Chris also thanked the Black family, Ian Lilburne the Uardry Stud Classer, and the Uardry team.

Kate Munro Awarded Young Merino Ambassador

The Noel Reid Award sponsored by Merial Australia for the Best Young Riverina Merino Ambassador this year went to Kate Munro of the Woodpark stud, Jerilderie.

Other entrants were Michael Flattery from the Willurah stud, Conargo; Caleb Thomson from the Boonoke stud, Deniliquin; with Hamish Ross and Frank Archer from the Uardry stud, Hay.

The judging panel included Peter Gordon, Merial; Terry Hogan, Riverina Merino representative; David Reid, son of the late Noel Reid O.A.M. and Sam Inglis, Marcus Oldham.

Peter Gordon, representing the judges, said ‘the future of the industry is in very safe hands with the qualities and promise displayed by this group of young people.’ Each candidate demonstrated their passion and commitment to the wool industry and agriculture in general. Whilst they all have different ambitions and directions of where they would like to take their careers Mr Gordon believes they would all be very successful in whatever field they choose.

Kate’s prize is the Rural Leadership Course at the Marcus Oldham College at Geelong in Victoria donated by Merial. This course is held in high regard nationally and is recognised in industry circles as developing and nurturing the leadership qualities and potential of young Australians involved in agriculture.

Uardry Overseer wins Young Judge’s Award

A full field of 10 young judges from across NSW and Victoria with prior judging experience entered the prestigious Pennefather Junior Judge of the Year competition proudly sponsored by Landmark.

James Armstrong from the Uardry stud at Hay was the eventual winner. James, who is stud overseer, wins a prize which includes a perpetual trophy, $1500 towards a trip to New Zealand visiting Merino Studs and Commercial sheep operations next autumn. Merino industry identity and sheep classer, Gordon McMaster kindly hosts the young judge on a three week tour.

James thanked Landmark for their generous sponsorship. He also thanked the Riverina Field Days and Hay Merino Sheep Show committees. Ryan Weir of Dunluce in Victoria won second place and a prize of $300. Uardry jackaroo, Frank Archer, won third place and a prize of $200.

Peter Vile, Landmark Wool Manager for Victoria and Riverina, along with Warren Bull and Trevor James ran the competition with Craig Wilson as Over Judge and Oakbank Stud supplied the rams. Well known sheep classer, Stu Hodgson, gave a preliminary judging session for all young judges prior to the competition which contributed to the educational experience.

Riverina Merino has a local Spring Ram Sale Calendar beginning in September. There is also a free annual booklet and newsletter and a website displaying the latest in show and sale results.