27/08/2026
~MERINO SHEEP CHALLENGE~
After six months the sheep challenge concluded on Tuesday with the presentation event in Clunes. Backed by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and delivered in partnership with schools, studs and industry volunteers, students took responsibility of six Merino wethers from Kerrilyn Merino Stud in Dunluce from March.
A very wet competition day involved wool testing, carcass and live weight recording, shearing and fleece analysis as well as presenting the sheep 'on the green mat' before a panel of judges. The team also presented a presentation to an audience and participated in workshops about careers in Ag, wool markets and feed and nutrition.
For the judging, the sheep are split into two groups of 3 sheep (Group A and Group B). With 14 schools participating from all over Victoria there are 26 sheep teams vying for awards.
After the final scores were tallied the presentations were made. Congratulations to the Manangatang team for coming away with four awards!
🏆Reserve Grand Champion ( Runner Up) - score of 564. Only 18 points behind the grand champion team Shepparton.
🥇1st Fleece value Group A - avg $79 for 6 months wool (inc. one fleece 5.3kg, 19.3 micron valued at $81)
🥈2nd Carcass weight value Group A ( $409)
🥈2nd Best presented team Group A
🥉3rd Best presented Group B
A huge thank you to the Rollinson, Plant (Kendal) and Oliver (Pete) families for the donations of grain and hay, to Graincorp Manangatang for grain donation and the Graincorp Sponsorship Program for a grant towards the program.
To Danni from Tamaleuca Merino Stud for all her support, advice and encouragement.
And to Marney and Pete for supporting the team on the trip to Clunes.
Lastly well done to the team of Aidan, Jasper, Ariana, Maddi, Bella, Lily, Amelia, Rory and Lilly for all their hard work over the past six months. We cant wait for 2027!
** A full report will be in the next edition of Link Up.
Tamaleuca Merino & Poll Merino Stud
Australian Wool Innovation
GrainCorp
Kerrilyn Merino Stud