Goldfields Getaway
13 June, 2024
Something for everyone at Bendigo’s Sheep and Wool Show
Thousands of farmers, traders and members of the public will converge on the Prince of Wales Showgrounds in Bendigo from July 19 to 21 to celebrate the best quality sheep genetics, discover the latest innovations and showcase the industry’s...
Thousands of farmers, traders and members of the public will converge on the Prince of Wales Showgrounds in Bendigo from July 19 to 21 to celebrate the best quality sheep genetics, discover the latest innovations and showcase the industry’s important and diverse contribution to everyday life.
The Australian Sheep and Wool Show is the largest show of its type in the world; each year up to 3000 sheep from across Australia with 30 plus breeds compete in the show ring. Added to that are up to 400 trade sites covering everything from the finest woollen clothing to large machinery.
The feature sheep breed for 2024 is the Dohne Merino. Learn about this breed that was first introduced to Australia in 1998. With emphasis on both meat and wool traits, the Dohne Merino presents the opportunity to have a true dual-purpose sheep. The maternal qualities of the Dohne ewe proved perfect for Australian conditions. They are survivors - resilient and fertile. They are natural mothers who rear high performance lambs and produce quality apparel Merino wool.
Exciting seminars, forums and agricultural education and skills training information sites are the must-see opportunities for people seeking to join our thriving primary industry sector.
With world food production required to double present production rates to meet the demands of the predicted 9.8 billion world population by 2050, the hunt is on for the farmers, scientists and agribusiness champions of the future.
Leading primary industry experts will discuss an eclectic range of high value topics including opportunities created by a farmer-owned environmental markets brokerage, satellite tracking of tagged livestock to eliminate stock theft and reduce lambing losses, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, reduction of greenhouse gases and strategic family farm succession planning to name a few.
While the Show is a must-do for those in the industry, it also offers a unique insight into all aspects of sheep farming for interested onlookers.
Situated in the main arena near the ram shed, come and enjoy the age-old skills of stockmen and women with their working dogs. This year the yard dog trials at Bendigo will attract the very best competition working dogs to the Central Victorian Yard Dog Championships. This event has become one of the premier trials on the calendar for both local and interstate competitors.
The majority of the competitors work stock in their everyday lives but enjoy the travel and competition that comes with the sport. Spectators watching the action – whether active stockpersons or interested onlookers – will appreciate the skill of both the handler and their dogs. These highly trained dogs started as cute little puppies and over time have been nurtured and trained into these very skilful working dogs that are essential to the livestock industry.
Two courses operating each day will showcase the working dogs’ ability to both gently move and at times use clever force to guide the sheep around the course within a set time frame.
The jam-packed program includes an animal nursery, the latest in fashion, shearing competitions and a huge variety of food vendors, the weekend promises something for everyone.
