Blackwood Performance Corriedale principals Claire and Peter Blackwood, with the $2000 ram they sold to Jim Sidey, at right, at a previous Sheepvention sale.

HAMILTON Sheepvention has had to cancel its planned Sheep Connect events planned for next month, due to Victoria’s ongoing COVID lockdown.

The event’s business and events manager Peta Anderson said with great regret and following careful consideration, the Hamilton P & A Society executive has decided to cancel this year’s Sheep Connect ‘Trade’ exhibits.

Sheep Connect 2021, a three-piece event, was set to be an exciting expo full of trade, conference and sales whilst adhering to COVID Safe regulations, she said.

However, with the recent lockdowns in New South Wales and Victoria, tightened COVID Safe restrictions and the rising number of Delta strain transmissions it was decided to cancel the trade exhibits.

“In doing so, The Hamilton P & A Society aim to ensure the safety of the Greater Hamilton community and our exhibitors,” she said.

All trade exhibitors will receive a full refund of trade site fees and they should receive an email from organisers this week relating to their refunds.

The Sheep Connect ‘Conference’ will be postponed with the new date to be announced in coming weeks, she said.

“Our main stay event for more than 40 years, the ram sale, will continue in a digital format, on Tuesday August 3, 2021. Ms Anderson said Sheepvention will be in touch with all vendors this week regarding changes to the sale.

“We are incredibly disappointed to deliver this news.

“Unfortunately, the COVID situation left us with no alternative,” she said.