Hard fought’ competition at Natimuk

Avington Merino’s Jillaroo Amy Carpenter competed at Natimuk and featured in this story on ‘Mailtimes’:

JAMIE-LEE OLDFIELD, The Weekly Times

February 2, 2017  

MORE THAN 30 competitors showed off their shearing skills at the annual Natimuk shearing and wool-handling competition on Saturday.

The competition is part of the Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society Show.

Competition founder Michael Sudholz said it was a hard-fought competition.

Evo Hennessy won first place in the open section, while Jack Margetts won the novice section. 

“We had a good roll up of competitors again with more than 30 shearers and rouseabouts,” Mr Sudholz said.

“We had more people in the open section this year, more than last year.”

Mr Sudholz said the competition was a good change for younger shearers to get some experience.

“The novice shearers had a keen interest in the experienced shearers,” he said.

“They were able to watch how they do things, how they hold their handpieces and the sheep and where they land their blows.

“Then they were able to have a chat to them afterwards.

“The winner received a $700 handpiece so its a good start for them.”

Mr Sudholz said it was good to see the competition going strong each year.

“It’s great to have the support and we hope it keeps going,” he said.

“A lot of work goes into organising it and pulling together volunteers, prizes and sheep.”

Amy Carpenter from Hamilton competing in the novice wool-handing competition at the Natimuk Show.