The company will put four contenders forward for the coveted Riverina Ram of the Year — a title they have claimed at the last seven expos.
The last five titles have been won by rams from Poll Boonoke, but the run of luck started in 2013 with Wanganella 19.
AFA general manager Justin Campbell said they intend to present two Wanganella and two Poll Boonoke rams for the competitions.
Mr Campbell said if the judges feel the same about their rams as those at other shows, a Poll Boonoke ram might just take out the trophy again this year. “We won the dual purpose section at Bendigo’s Australian Wool and Sheep Show in July with a Poll Boonoke ram, who we’ll likely put forward.
“The other Poll ram is likely to be the one we took to the Marra Field Day and beat all the other mid-state rams.”
Mr Campbell said while AFA is on a good run, they can never take the competition at the Deni expo for granted.
“I think we’ve had success over the last few years because we breed our sheep to have the size for both meat and wool, length of body, correctness and softness of wool.
“There is always some stiff competition though. Willandra (a Jerilderie stud where Ross Wells is principal) is always knocking on our door.
“It will be tough, but we think our rams are looking good — particularly after Bendigo.”
Almost 20 studs had confirmed their attendance at next week’s expo at the time of going to print.
Elders Ram of the Year will be one of the titles up for grabs, but it certainly the most prestigious. It is worth $1000 to the winner, plus $1000 in genetic services donated by Apiam.
Other judging categories are:
• Elders Riverina Merino Ewe of the year ($500 plus another $500 donated by Elanco);
• Elders Riverina Performance Ram of the Year ($1000, sponsored by Rivalea); and
• Elders Riverina Performance Ewe of the Year ($500, sponsored by Elanco). The event will also include the presentation of the Northern Clip of the Year.
The first expo since before COVID-19, the action returns to the heart of Deniliquin at the Edward River Oval.
The expo will kick off at 10am and throughout the day there will also be static wool and merchandise displays, animal health displays, blade shearing and more.
The expo will run through to about 4pm and is free to attend.
The Deniliquin-based Riverina Sheep Expo was established when drought conditions forced the cancellation of the Riverina Field Days.
The event gives sheep studs the opportunity to show off what they have to offer to prospective ram buyers.
For more information contact Elders Deniliquin on (03) 5890 5100.
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