MEDIA RELEASE

Immediate Release Friday, 25 October 2013

RASV opens entries for Flock of the Year

The Royal Agricultural Society of Victorias (RASV) Flock of the Year competition will return to the agricultural events calendar next year with entries opening on Thursday, 31 October 2013. Commencing in February 2014, Merino producers across the three selected regions can enter to compete for the prestigious award. The three regions selected to compete in 2014 are West Wimmera (north of Little Desert), Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and Horsham (north of Western Highway) (region one); West Wimmera (south of Little Desert), South Grampians (west of Grampions Road), Horsham (south of Western Highway) and Glenelg (region two); and Southern Grampions (east of Grampions Road), Moyne and Ararat (region three). RASV CEO Mark OSullivan said all eligible producers should participate in the revamped competition and celebrate Victorias sheep wool industry. The RASV is thrilled to bring back the Flock of the Year competition in 2014. With a new, revised competition format, we encourage all eligible Merino producers to compete for this prestigious award that aims to recognise and celebrate Victorias sheep wool industry, said Mr OSullivan. Supported by Merino Victoria, the Flock of the Year competition celebrates Victorias Merino ewe flocks and offers producers the opportunity to view other production systems and learn best practice management systems. Victoria has been divided into regions based on shire boundaries, farming and weather conditions, with three regions selected to compete each year. Judging will commence over three weekends in February and each weekend is open to all wool producers wishing to view the participating properties. The program will include guest speakers, information seminars and judges feedback and will culminate in a Flock of the Year Celebration Dinner, with each regional winner awarded a $1,500 cash prize and a plaque. Participants from the three selected regions have until Friday, 29 November 2013 to register, with RASV members eligible for a discount on the $50 entry fee. For more information on how to enter, visit www.rasv.com.au/flockoftheyear or contact Fiona Looker of the RASV on 03 9281 7412 or 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 Erin Mitchell, Account Coordinator on +61 406 151 340 or at emitchell@wrights.com.au