When it comes to selecting merino fleeces, Molong Central School’s Brooke and Caitlyn Watts are rising stars in the trade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The sisters headed to the National Merino Challenge and year 12 student Brooke brought home the championship and best high school student prizes.
Brooke beat competition from Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the rest of NSW to win the championship.
Meanwhile Caitlyn, in year 11, came third in the secondary school division.
The challenge was organised by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI).
Principal Michelle Barrett said the merino challenge required students to prove their knowledge of production, breeding and fleece selection over two days
“They’ve got some exception skills in that area,” Mrs Barrett said.
She said students participating in events like the National Merino Challenge was about helping to plant ideas about future careers.
As well as showing off their skills, the girls heard from Georgina Wallace from the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders and Collette Garnsey, a board member of AWI.
“It was an amazing weekend where all students came away with more knowledge, better networking skills and a broader understanding of what the sheep and wool offers as career paths,” Mrs Barrett said.
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
