SHEEP entries are at capacity for next week's Hamilton Sheepvention, with almost 1000 registered for the show sheds.
Some late entries have even been turned away.
The response has pleased Sheepvention president Andrew Nagorcka, in his second and final year at the helm of the prestigious rural event.
"The sheep industry is booming now, and that's being reflected here," Andrew said.
"Things are looking good for sheepmeat and wool returns so it's a good time for sheep producers. Looking around the ground, entries and exhibitor numbers are up - there's a lot of growth in the event now."
Some would expect that as a young farmer - working hard to build his family's growing business - Andrew may not have time to dedicate to a demanding event like Sheepvention.
The Nagorckas are mixed farmers, south of Hamilton. Like many croppers, they have been burned by the wet autumn and many hectares have not been sown because of the boggy conditions.
Instead, Andrew is looking at new options, like sowing lucerne for livestock production on previously cropped paddocks.
Despite the difficult season, Andrew said he was very glad he had taken on the president role.
"It is good to get away from the farm, meet people and learn skills of how to go about working with different groups," he said.
"Sometimes, it is good to have something else to focus on, when it's too wet to do anything else.
"But Sheepvention would not happen without all the volunteers who dedicate so much time to running it.
"Its success is a reflection of the hard work volunteers do. And we've also undergone a big transition with new staff coming in the past yearso it is setting the organisation up well for the future."
Andrew said his goals had been to improve the event's finances, through boosting attendance, and the experience of the traders who attended.
During the past two years, many new competitions and attractions have been introduced to keep the event interesting and fresh.
"Things like the new fencing competition this year, the seminars, cooking competitions, the food and wine tent - which is now at full capacity - and the shearing competition all help attract new interest," he said. "The shearing competition has been really popular."
Other new attractions include a members lounge and bar for Pastoral and Agricultural Society members.
