RENEWED interest in the wool and sheep industry has seen one of the biggest crowds for years attend the Peppin Shaw ewe flock competition this week.

The event, which pitches some of the best Merino flocks in the Riverina against each other, began yesterday near Hay and will culminate in a presentation dinner on Wednesday.
 
Peppin Shaw president David Rankin said the roll up had been "tremendous".
 
"It does reflect the increased interest in Merinos," he said.
 
"Improved wool prices and good prices for both store and prime sheep have also regained people's interest and enthusiasm for sheep."
 
Mr Rankin said he believed there were good time ahead for the sheep industry, and especially Merinos.
 
"There are definitely positive prospects," he said.
 
The competition was in doubt earlier in the week after weekend rains dumped up to 100mm of rain.
 
But clear weather since then allowed it to go ahead, and Mr Rankin said it only added to the positive feeling among producers.
 
  • Read more in tomorrow's The Weekly Times.