SWSSMB Field Day Competitions
Member Studs who display at the Field Day can compete in these competitions, all thanks to our Sponsors.
SWS Stud Merino Breeders Ram Of The Year proudly sponsored by Bromar Engineering and Riverina Wool Testers
The South West Slopes Stud Merino Breeders Ram of the Year competition is designed to select the best Hogget Ram in the region for any given year.
To be eligible to enter the competition the stud must be a member of the committee, and provide one ram:- showing no more than 2 permanent teeth which must be March tagged shorn.
Wendouree Perpetual Shield – SWSSBM Pen Of Three Merino Hogget Rams proudly sponsored by Wendouree Merinos & Schute Bell Badgery Lumby.
The Wendouree Perpetual Shield, donated by Gwen & Jack Whitechurch, and sponsored by Schute Bell Badgery Lumby will be awarded to the member Stud breeding & displaying the supreme pen of three merino hogget rams, showing no more than two permanent teeth.
They will be appraised as a pen showing evenness of quality & conformation to be March tagged shorn. These rams will be typical of the sheep breed in the South West Slopes region.
Judges for the 2024 Field Day
RETURN JUDGE - Rodney Miller
Rod and wife Sue and family live on their property Glenpaen Merino/Poll Merino Stud in Brimpaen Victoria. Situated in the Southern Wimmera 54km from Horsham on the foot of Grampians National Park.
Glenpaen consists of 5600 acres and runs Merinos and Angus cattle. The average rainfall is 24 inches per year.
The Glenpaen Merino stud commenced in 1989 with some of the best genetics available to start our AI program and now runs 700 stud ewes and has a commercial flock of 4500 ewes.
The stud has achieved many accolades over the years at many major sheep shows, finishing each year with a successful On Property Sale in October selling approx. 120 horn and poll Rams.
Rod enjoys attending shows and catching up with like-minded merino breeders and discussing different genetics and new ideas within the industry.
Rod has had the honor of judging at many major sheep shows including Sydney, Queensland and Western Australia.
COMPETITION JUDGE - Hamish McLaren
Hamish McLaren is a partner and co-principal of Nerstane Merino stud. The family runs the merino stud and a commercial sheep and cattle operation over two properties at Walcha, in the North East of NSW.
Hamish initially worked for two wool exporting companies and travelled extensively throughout Australia in this job during the late eighties and early nineties before returning to the family business.
Hamish is passionate about all things Merino including Objective Measurement, the Show Ring, Central Test Sire Evaluations, Ewe competitions and Wether Trials. He has had the privilege of judging all over Australia, Uruguay and New Zealand.
Hamish is the current NSW Stud Merino Breeders president.
ASSOCIATE JUDGE - Bateson Pittman
Bateson Pittman from Glenburnie Merino and Poll Merino Stud, Walcha, won
the NSW State Junior Merino Judging final at Sydney Royal Easter Show at 17.
He is currently in Year 11 at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in
Tamworth where he is studying Agriculture and Primary Industries. Bateson
has a major passion for agriculture and the merino industry. After he finishes
school he is interested in completing university to further study agriculture.
Bateson will compete in the National Junior Judging Final later this year in
October in Melbourne.
2023 Judges with their gifts. Thank you judges!
Join us and get on display apply here
Become part of the SWS Stud Merino Field Day and display your Stud stock, products or services.
Stud Display
Showcase your best rams at the SWS Merino Field Day.
Commercial Exhibitor
Exhibitors are welcome to display their products and services at the Field Day.
Become a Sponsor
Be apart of the SWS Merino Field Day by becoming one of our sponsors.
Market Stall
The Field Day is a great place to get your products directly to the people.
