WHILE a local high school wethers’ competition team came home without ribbons, the group says it was a “great learning experience”.
The Waikerie High School (WHS) team comprised of six year 10 students, two teachers and six wethers against 69 other teams from across the state in the 2020 Royal Adelaide Show SA Schools’ Merino Wethers Competition recently.
WHS agriculture teacher Paul Tripodi said due to COVID-19 restrictions, no spectators were allowed and the lack of festive noise made for a “very different feel”.
“The wethers were judged on their fleece and meat quality, overall appearance as well as their weight gained since March, while the students were judged on their handling skills, knowledge of sheep husbandry, the industry and details of their preparation for the event,” he said.
“The students also had to answer impromptu questions by the judges who came to examine the sheep.
“While we didn’t win any of the major ribbons, one of our sheep was judged the fifth heaviest and valued fleece.
“A big thanks and well done to the students for their efforts and determination to present, maintain and prepare the sheep for judging, as well as Robyn Matulick for driving and making amazing lasagnes.
“We’re looking forward to next year’s competition, better armed and prepared.”