Dubbo Wether Challenge 

NSW Merino Wether Challenge In Dubbo

What a fantastic three days for the team at the NSW Merino Wether Challenge in Dubbo, held from 10th August to the 12th August!

Our experience began with a tour of Fletcher International Exports, where students were able to see the entire production process, from live animal through processing to the different cuts of meat. This was an incredibly valuable opportunity for students to see the meat industry first hand and further develop their understanding of carcase quality and meat production. A huge thank you to Fletcher International Exports for providing us with this opportunity and for generously sharing their knowledge and expertise with our students.

Over the past five months, our team has worked consistently to prepare the Egelabra-bred Merino wethers, developing their knowledge and skills in sheep husbandry, preparation, wool assessment and judging.

Across the three days, eight students represented the school, exhibiting their sheep through a range of challenging classes, including in-fleece, out-of-fleece, wool and carcase judging. Students also participated in a range of valuable workshops, including nutrition and feeding, careers in the wool industry, and junior judging to name a few, further strengthening their industry knowledge and practical skills.

The Challenge provided an outstanding opportunity for our students to put months of preparation into practice, learn from industry experts and gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between sheep breeding, wool, meat production and carcase quality.

A huge congratulations to all eight students for their commitment, teamwork and the pride they showed in representing our school. A special thank you to Egelabra Merinos for providing the sheep and supporting our students throughout the preparation and competition.

Ms Ella Gruessing 

Agricultral Teacher