The Finley High School show team, with some of their major awards from the Holbrook Sheep and Wool Show, and their Supreme Champion Ewe.
Holbrook Sheep and Wool remains one of the favourite shows on the calendar for the Finley High School agriculture team, and agricultural teacher Gary Webb says this year’s results were among their strongest yet.
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The students brought home major accolades from the May event, including Champion Short Wool Ram and Ewe, with the ewe going on to be named Supreme Champion Ewe of the Show.
Mr Webb said the program continues to thrive thanks to the generosity and commitment of supporters.
The school offered particular thanks to some of their supporters - Hillden Poll Dorsets for their continued semen donations, Genstock at Jerilderie, Phil Murrowood for shearing, and to Gordon Close.
“We have had a lot of success at Holbrook, it’s been terrific,” Mr Webb said.
“This is probably my 20th year attending. In all the time I’ve been involved, Finley has always done very well.”
Mr Webb said contributing to the success is the combination of Hillden Poll Dorset stud’s good genetics and the school’s ability to routinely cull their stud and nurture the traits they are after.
“It’s been a long process over many years. Consistently good genetics, have certainly helped.
“This is probably our best team of ewes.”
Mr Webb is equally proud of the students who represent Finley High School.
Whether working with cattle or sheep, he said the young handlers are “incredibly capable”, many of them starting in the younger years, and working their way up.
“As teachers it’s great to see the mentorship from the older students to the younger.
“We truly have a wonderful group of students. We’re thrilled with the passion they show, and many of them will go onto work in the industry, which is really what it’s all about.”
Despite retiring from teaching, Mr Webb said his former colleague Robyn O’Leary remains involved and visible within the ag team projects, continuing to support the program.
He also praised Katrina Abbott, who joined Finley High’s teaching staff at the end of last year from Deniliquin.
Mr Webb said Ms Abbott is already a valued member of the show team, having her own flock of sheep and plenty of experience under her belt already.
“She’s really settled in well,” he said.
“Katrina loves to show livestock and has great experience. Even though she’s just 26, she’s a very valued colleague.”
The school is now preparing for the Cowra Poll Dorset Show in June, with students already eager.
Mr Webb said the team is also “spending a lot of time” planning for the Royal Melbourne Show, with preparations already underway and enthusiasm running high.
Abbey Tanner with the Supreme Champion Ewe.
Jackson Cleve and Phillipa Bain with the the Champion and reserve champion short wool rams.
