MEDIA RELEASE

Immediate Release [Friday, 20 September 2013]

RASV announces return of Flock of the Year

The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) has today announced that the prestigious Flock of the Year competition will return for the first time in 10 years. Supported by Merino Victoria (Victoria Stud Merino Sheep Breeders Association), Flock of the Year will be held annually and commence in 2014, with entries open to eligible commercial Merino producers across Victoria in late October. RASV CEO Mark OSullivan said the reintroduction of the popular competition demonstrated the strength of the sheep wool industry, which is currently worth $1.4 billion in exports to the Victorian economy. The RASV is pleased to re-establish Flock of the Year as it reinforces our commitment to assist and create value to industry partnerships. This event will provide an important platform for industry benchmarking and knowledge exchange for wool producers. We look forward to building a sustainable partnership with Merino Victoria to maximise benefits for their members and commercial wool producers. It is integral that we continue to recognise and celebrate Victorias sheep wool industry through programs like the prestigious Flock of the Year, said Mr OSullivan. Celebrating Victorias Merino ewe flocks, Flock of the Year offers all producers the opportunity to view other production systems and learn best practice management systems. Each judging weekend is open to all wool producers wishing to view the participating properties and will include guest speakers, information seminars and judges feedback on the properties and flocks viewed. Judging for Flock of the Year will be undertaken in regions based on Shire boundaries, farming and weather conditions. Each year three regions will be selected to compete, with each region eligible to participate once every three years. The three regions selected for 2014 are: West Wimmera (north of Little Dessert), Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and Horsham (north of Western Highway) (region one) West Wimmera (south of Little Dessert), South Grampians (west of Grampions Road), Horsham (south of Western Highway) and Glenelg (region two) Southern Grampions (east of Grampions Road), Moyne and Ararat (region three) Judging will be held over three weekends in February 2014 and a Flock of the Year Celebration Dinner will conclude judging on the final weekend, with each regional winner awarded a $1,500 cash prize and a plaque for their efforts. For more information, email fiona.looker@rasv.com.au.
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For all media enquiries and images please contact Wrights for the RASV: Jess Jafer, Senior Account Executive on +61 403 042 855 or at jjafer@wrights.com.au