Agriculture
11 March, 2026
Great southern success for local stud
TERRICK West Merinos has started the 2026 show and competition season major successes.
As the national wool market recorded another week of improved prices that have buoyed industry confidence, Terrick West picked up broad ribbons at the Great Southern Supreme Merino show.
The Bathurst show prizes were capped off on home territory last Friday at the Loddon Valley Stud Merinos field day when Terrick West exhibited the best pen of three ewes.
Terrick West was one of three studs with on-property displays while more than a dozen were on show at Janiember Park in Serpentine.
The stud’s Claire McGauchie said it had been an incredible result at Bathurst to be awarded Champion August Shorn Poll Ram - a full brother to the ram that topped the 2025 Adelaide Ram Sale - and Champion Medium Wool August Shorn Poll Ram.
She said the Bathurst show, previously held at Goulburn for more than a century and then in Canberra for a decade, was gaining momentum in the industry.
Ross McGauchie said the show was particularly popular with studs from the New England region growing fine and super-fine sheep. “We have been selling semen from Terrick West to that region,” he said.
“And the Great Southern is a good hit out for us at this time of year.”
“It’s sitting at the top of the shows in New South Wales.”
Claire said: “Bathurst is creating a great platform to showcase Merino genetics. The show has quality sheep, strong competition, and a great industry catch-up.”
Friday’s Loddon Valley field day attracted graziers from across Victoria and interstate.
Local studs said strong interest again highlighted the importance of the sheep industry in the Loddon economy.