The Blackwood Performance Corriedale rams at Sheepvention 2017.

HAMILTON’S popular three-day Sheepvention expo will be split into two separate events in 2021, organisers have announced.

The western Victorian event was cancelled by the Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the society said this week it would hold a ram sale with some trade exhibitions in August and another event in October with more exhibitions and machinery demonstrations.

“Due to the COVID regulations currently in place the running of Sheepvention as it previously has been won’t be possible this year,” Sheepvention president, Kathryn Robertson said.

“The committee has decided to reformat the structure and produce multiple, smaller events.

“The current proposed events will be a sheep-focused event in August and a broader ag event in October.”

Ms Robertson said the reason the committee decided to run more than one event is due to number restrictions and density limits in place because of COVID.

“We hope to look at more events including some of our agricultural competitions and shows and something for our general indoor and food and wine traders later in the year.

“We had to find combinations of our Sheepvention product that would work together and could fit within our existing buildings so we weren’t risking the outlay for marquees,” she said.

A prospectus for the Sheepvention rural events on offer will be released to exhibitors next week.

“We look forward to providing our region with events again, and we will endeavour to bring our original Sheepvention format back as soon as COVID restrictions allow.

“We are excited to be offering something different this year via a portfolio of events,” Ms Robertson said.

“We welcome your support while we navigate this new challenge.”

Dates and further information will be released later next week.  All information will be made available at www.hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au