BIGGER breeds will make way for some lesser-known types at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show at Bendigo this weekend.
Breed entries for the 133th show are up slightly on last year to 2255 head (not including 258 Alpacas and Angora and Cashmere goats), but include fewer entries of "traditional" breeds and more dual-purpose and lifestyle farming types.
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"Entries of the bigger breeds are, in fact, down, but entries for 'fad' breeds, like Dorpers, are well up," Australian Sheep and Wool Show secretary Andrew Ternouth said.
There will be 232 Dorpers - 100 more than last year, a reflection of the changing nature of the Australian sheep industry.
These will be judged by Brendan Duncan, from Glen Esk, near Wentworth.
But while terminal and maternal breeds are on the rise, there will also be a greater number of Merinos - perhaps due to the current strength of the replacement ewe market - with 666 entered.
These will be judged over 10 wool and sheepmeat categories with the best vying for supreme Merino exhibit, to be judged on Sunday afternoon.
The Langdene stud from Dunedoo, in NSW, which claimed last year's coveted supreme Merino award with a two-year-old fine-wool ram, will be back in Bendigo to defend its title.
The feature breed, the Border Leicester, has attracted 211 entries and will be aiming to highlight its role as vital to the future of Australia's now booming prime lamb industry.
Amid record prime lamb prices, the proven maternal breed is enjoying a resurgence thanks to its ability to produce first-cross Merino ewes capable of turning off large numbers of lambs in a range of climatic conditions.
Ian Gilmore, of Baringa, at Oberon in NSW, will be the judge.
The event will conclude on Monday with the Merino ram sale, with 46 vendors combining to offer 114 rams - 15 per cent more than last year.
Organisers will be hoping to better last year's sale clearance of 70 of 102 rams for an average of $2730.
A further 46 entries are catalogued for the Dorper and White Dorper ram sale on Sunday.
Also on show will be Australia's best up-and-coming designers, wearable art and the winners from the Woolcraft competition.
The Australian Fleece Competition, shearing and wool handling competitions, sheep dog trials and cooking and carving demonstrations will round out the event, which runs from Friday to Sunday at Bendigo showgrounds.
Entry is $15 for adults, $10 for pensioners, $8 for students and free for children under 14.
- For more competition details, phone Mr Ternouth on (03) 5439 5094.
