Merino rams at Sheepvention.

HAMILTON’S Sheepvention ram sale has been opened up to groups of three rams to help lift entries at the popular expo on 31 July-2 August after a two-year COVID hiatus.

The ram sale from Tuesday 2 August is a major component of the expo, and the organisers have decided to allow pens of three rams, plus the usual pens of five rams, to boost participation.

Ram sale convenor Will Crawford said hopefully the three-ram group class will attract new entrants, especially from smaller studs.

“The Gordon Uebergang Trophy will still go for the pen of five rams, but will still have some sort of trophy for the best pen of three.”

Keen buyers can view the rams on Monday 1 August in the Sheep Pavilion at the Hamilton Showgrounds. Although Sheepvention was not held in 2021, the ram sale was taken online where there was an 89 percent clearance rate of 44 rams offered and an average sale price of $4294. The committee is eager to see the sale return to its more original format.

The rural expo is returning with its usual segments, including the Hamilton and District Sheep Show, the ram sale, wool handling, Coprice Victorian Farm Dog Championships, Innovations Hub, Producers Pavilion and trade exhibitions.

Whilst the sale is generally renowned for its pen of five, this year the committee has also opened up to a pen of three to cater for various studs, following the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We’re very excited to have a ram sale with a crowd again after a two year hiatus, hopefully this will bolster a good sale result.

“We’ve got a great variety of high quality and renowned studs participating in the sale,” Mr Crawford said.

“The committee wish to thank all 16 studs for registering and supporting the sale.”

The Sheepvention committee this year also welcomes the Montarna SheepMaster Stud who will be  donating a ram to raise funds for the ‘Riding For The Disabled Charity.’

Stud owner Gary Doyle said his wife has been involved with the RDA for over 30 years.

“We moved to the region in January and brought the stud with us, we thought this would be a great opportunity to get involved in the local community, as well as showcase the Sheepmaster breed, the newest of the shedding sheep.”

Landline journalist Pip Courtney to open Sheepvention

Renowned journalist and television presenter, Pip Courtney will officially open Sheepvention Rural Expo on Sunday 31 July 2022 at 12.15pm.

Pip is best known for her work as a reporter and host of the ABC series – Landline, and in 2018 was inducted in the Queensland Press Club’s Rural Journalism Hall of Fame.

Pip last attended Sheepvention 25 years ago, and is eager to return to the region to participate and be a part of the event.

Visitors to Sheepvention can see Pip at the official opening, followed by an industry focused Q & A session, hosted by Reid Stockfeeds. The official opening will take place in the Sheep Pavilion. Sheepvention tickets will be available online at www.sheepvention.com