Sue McKenzie, centre, with Clyde McKenzie Northern Clip of the Year winners Susan and John Graham, supported by state wool manager Lachie Brown, far left, wool classer Rob Dawes and Elders district wool manager David Wilson.

WINNING THE 2024 Elders Clyde McKenzie Northern Clip of the Year award had special significance for Riverina wool growers John and Susan Graham.

The northern clip award was this year renamed after long-standing Elders employee and Riverina wool stalwart Clyde McKenzie who sadly passed away last year.

To mark Mr McKenzie’s legacy, the accolade will now be known as the Clyde McKenzie Northern Clip of the Year Award.

The Grahams have previously been a clip of the year recipient, but Mr Graham said he fondly remembered Clyde McKenzie’s influence on him.

“He was a great mentor who guided us through difficult times, and I am delighted to see this award named in his honour.”

Mr Graham credited favourable weather conditions for the success of the J. R. Graham Trust clip branded ‘S & SW / Boonongo’, that was classed by Rob Daws.

“We don’t do this to win, but I’m really happy to have that on my mantlepiece,” Mr McKenzie said.

“The sheep had a good start off the board following the previous flood year, with a soft Winter and timely rains in October, ensuring a consistent feed regime throughout.

“We’ve always been passionate about farming, and it is very much a family-run operation,” he said.

“My family has been affiliated with Elders for generations.

“We’ve appreciated their dedication to selling and marketing wool, which has been crucial for us.”

For almost 30 years, the annual Elders Clip of the Year awards have been held all over the country as a showcase of quality and innovation in Australian wool production. The evenings recognise the best wool clips marketed by Elders from across specific regions.

There was stiff competition for the 2024 northern award, with winners selected from about 400 clips judged weekly. Winners are judged based on wool quality, preparation, and market appeal; a testament to the meticulous efforts of each grower.

Elders state wool manager Lachie Brown said the award underscores the remarkable quality of wool produced in the region.

“Each clip represents not just superior craftsmanship but also meticulous preparation and documentation.”

Sue McKenzie, Clyde’s wife, was proud to be at the award presentation.

“No one embodied the passion for breeding high-quality wool and meticulous preparation quite like Clyde.

“He was dedicated to his craft, driven not by accolades but by a genuine love for sheep and wool,” she said.

Mr Brown said the whole Elders team was proud to pay homage to Clyde’s legacy on the night.

“We were deeply honoured to have Sue McKenzie and her family join us tonight,” he said.

“Their unwavering support for Clyde and his vision has been instrumental in shaping these awards into what they are today.”

Award winners from the past two years were announced on the evening in Deniliquin recently. Western Plains Grazing took out the 2022/2023 Clyde McKenzie Northern Clip of the Year with their clip ‘Yamba’, classed by Joel Higgins.