Judges for the 2024 Field Day
RETURN JUDGE - Rodney Miller
Rod and wife Sue and family live on their property Glenpaen Merino/Poll Merino Stud in Brimpaen Victoria. Situated in the Southern Wimmera 54km from Horsham on the foot of Grampians National Park.
Glenpaen consists of 5600 acres and runs Merinos and Angus cattle. The average rainfall is 24 inches per year.
The Glenpaen Merino stud commenced in 1989 with some of the best genetics available to start our AI program and now runs 700 stud ewes and has a commercial flock of 4500 ewes.
The stud has achieved many accolades over the years at many major sheep shows, finishing each year with a successful On Property Sale in October selling approx. 120 horn and poll Rams.
Rod enjoys attending shows and catching up with like-minded merino breeders and discussing different genetics and new ideas within the industry.
Rod has had the honor of judging at many major sheep shows including Sydney, Queensland and Western Australia.
COMPETITION JUDGE - Hamish McLaren
Hamish McLaren is a partner and co-principal of Nerstane Merino stud. The family runs the merino stud and a commercial sheep and cattle operation over two properties at Walcha, in the North East of NSW.
Hamish initially worked for two wool exporting companies and travelled extensively throughout Australia in this job during the late eighties and early nineties before returning to the family business.
Hamish is passionate about all things Merino including Objective Measurement, the Show Ring, Central Test Sire Evaluations, Ewe competitions and Wether Trials. He has had the privilege of judging all over Australia, Uruguay and New Zealand.
Hamish is the current NSW Stud Merino Breeders president.
ASSOCIATE JUDGE - Bateson Pittman
Bateson Pittman from Glenburnie Merino and Poll Merino Stud, Walcha, won
the NSW State Junior Merino Judging final at Sydney Royal Easter Show at 17.
He is currently in Year 11 at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in
Tamworth where he is studying Agriculture and Primary Industries. Bateson
has a major passion for agriculture and the merino industry. After he finishes
school he is interested in completing university to further study agriculture.
Bateson will compete in the National Junior Judging Final later this year in
October in Melbourne.
2023 Judges with their gifts. Thank you judges!
LOCATION
60 Merino Studs on display and all under cover!
Tuesday 2nd September 2025, commencing 10am
At Harden Showground – Woolrych Streets Harden NSW 2587.
ONSITE PARKING – Drive through the gates, collect your SWSSMB Booklet & pen and proceed as directed to the allocated parking area on the grounds. Our friendly friendly volunteers from The Harden Rural Fire Service will assist you.
(With respect to the local residents, please do not park in the residential streets outside the grounds).
PROGRAM
9.00am Sheep to be penned
10.00am Field Day starts
- Merino studs on display
- Wool fashions and products on display
- Sheep handling equipment and software technology
- Farm Machinery on display
- Industry Specialists on hand providing up to date information
11.00am Judging
- Judging Event: 2025 SWSSMB Pen of Three Merino Hogget Rams – Wendouree Perpetual Shield, proudly sponsored by Wendouree Merinos and Schute Bell Badgery Lumby
- Announcement of winners and presentation of prizes
1.00pm Fashion parade
- AWI Runway Showcase also featuring outside labels using Australian Merino Wool
2.00pm Judging
- Judging of the 2025 SWS Stud Merino Breeders Ram of The Year, proudly sponsored by Bromar Engineering & Riverina Wool Testers
- Announcement of winners and presentation of prizes
4.30pm Field Day concludes
Throughout the day AWI Sheep Industry Specialists, Kristen Frost and Tom Hersee will be available to discuss with Woolgrowers any matters they may wish to talk about.
