Rural
17 July, 2024
Ram sale falls short
August's Sheepvention in Hamilton will be without one of its long-running features this year: the traditional ram sale.
Sheepvention president David Botterill announced on June 17 that the organising committee had taken the "strategic decision" to cancel the sale after entries dwindled.
"The proactive move is aimed at re-evaluating and enhancing the event for future success," Mr Botterill said.
"The ram sale has been a highlight of the annual event for over 40 years, drawing breeders and buyers from across the country.
"However, this year's entries did not reach anticipated levels.
"Rather than proceeding with a suboptimal sale, the committee has chosen to take this opportunity to regroup and come back stronger."
Mr Botterill said the decision "was made swiftly to provide vendors, sponsors, potential buyers and Sheepvention patrons with ample notice".
He said despite the challenges, 2024 would "still bring a fantastic event, with a jam-packed schedule on the cards".
“We're disappointed that a long-standing aspect of Sheepvention has succumbed to the changing nature of ram sales, with the increase of on-property sales and the post-COVID rise of online platforms.
"We are, however, still very excited to showcase the Merino breed through a number of Merino stud exhibitors on display and the Merino Sheep Show."
On the plus-side, he said the removeal of the ram sale from the schedule created "an opportunity for the committee to gather feedback, explore new ideas and implement strategies that will enhance interest and participation into the future".
"The committee is confident that the cancellation will lead to improved and more exciting event components that continue to support and engage the agricultural community," he said.
Sheepvention Rural Expo will continue to host highly anticipated competitions including the Virbac
Hamilton & Western District Sheep Show, the Coprice Victorian Farm Dog Championships, the Proway Wool Handling Competition, the inventions competition, interactive demonstrations, children's entertainment and more than 500 trade exhibits.
It will be held on Sunday and Monday August 4 and 5 at Hamilton Showgrounds, immediately after the Mallee Machinery Field Days at Speed, on Wednesday July 31 and Thursday August 1.
Look for Wimmera Mallee News's preview of the Mallee Machinery Field Days in the July issue of Rural Scene.