Alistair Wells and three-time AFL premiership winner Tom Hawkins, who attended in his role with Nutrien.
The Conargo Recreation Reserve was buzzing with activity on Wednesday, when the Riverina Sheep and Wool Expo made its long-awaited return.
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District and interstate producers, industry leaders and school students from across the region were in attendance.
Hosted by Riverina Merino and supported by Elders, Nutrien, the Australian Wool Network and a range of other sponsors, the event marked a triumphant revival of what was formerly known as the Elders Riverina Sheep Expo.
The expo featured displays from 11 host studs based in the Riverina, joined by 12 guest studs from further afield, representing a diverse array of Merino and other wool sheep breeds.
Due to rain, the sheep were kept under two large tents.
With prospective customers in large numbers, it could be a tight squeeze at times.
Attendees also explored 27 trade sites offering insights into genetics, equipment, and management tools designed to support and grow sheep enterprises.
Expo co-convenor David Wilson emphasised the importance of bringing together genetics and management in one place.
“We wanted to make sure producers are in the best position to capitalise on improving industry prospects,” he said.
The speaker line-up was a major draw card, kicking off with Hayley Pattison from Pattison Pastoral, whose live demonstration on home lamb butchering proved a crowd favourite.
Attendees were keen to learn practical skills they could take back to their own operations.
Australian Wool Innovation chairman Jock Laurie offered insights into the future of wool and innovation in the sector, global demand and market insights.
He also included information on the work AWI were doing under research and development.
Former AFL star Tom Hawkins, now part of Nutrien’s livestock and marketing team in Geelong, captivated the audience with reflections on growing up locally, his journey through professional football, and his transition into agribusiness.
“It looks to be a great day, although the weather’s not great,” Hawkins joked before the rain arrived.
Hawkins later led a charity auction, raising funds for Deniliquin Can Assist by auctioning off a signed Geelong Cats jumper.
The jumper was won by Ian and Stacey Lugsdin from Lugsdin Toyota and Deniliquin Toyota, the major sponsors of the day, with a winning bid of $4000.
The event wasn’t just for seasoned producers.
Students from Conargo Public School and Deniliquin High School were also actively involved.
Conargo students sold raffle tickets and soaked up industry knowledge, while Deni High students gained hands-on experience with sheep studs, sparking interest in future careers in agriculture.
MC Ian Evans summed up the day’s success, saying “I was very pleasantly surprised by the support in terms of exhibitors and attendees”.
“There’s quite a strong interest in Merino sheep, even in tough times.”
With strong attendance, vibrant displays, and a strong sense of community, the expo reaffirmed its place as a cornerstone event for the Riverina’s wool industry, with those involved already looking forward to stud sale time over spring.
For more information and updates, visit riverinasheepwoolexpo.com or follow the Riverina Sheep and Wool Expo on Facebook.
Marc Braybon, Adam Mounting and Michael Archer.
Ian Cameron from The Yanko, Jerilderie.
Caroline Heath and John Graham.
Phoenix Buchanan, Bella Delahaye, Jhye Head, and Beau Jervis from Conargo Public School.
Donna McCallum and Louise Allitt.
Hayley Pattison from Pattison Pastoral giving a demonstration on how to home butcher a lamb.
Macie Ezard, Megan Lawson and Stella Bashford from Deni High School.
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