Finley High School’s success at the Holbrook Sheep & Wool Fair has continued in 2025.
Last month, the Holbrook event attracted stud sheep breeders and a plethora of secondary school students from throughout the Riverina, southern NSW and Victoria.
On day one of the show, schools were treated to educational workshops before competing with their school sheep in the Schools Interbreed Competition.
Finley High School again took part, with agriculture teacher Gary Webb saying it’s “a great opportunity for students who are beginners at showing sheep to learn the craft”.
The school claimed several awards, including the much coveted Champion School Ram and Champion School Ewe.
The school's group of three class also received the champion tri-ribbon.
On day two of the fair, schools not only competed against each other, but against professional stud sheep breeders from throughout the region.
But this did not daunt the Finley High show team.
They won Champion Poll Dorset Ram and Champion Poll Dorset Ewe, and Interbreed Championship Group of Three.
The school also picked up first places in the pair of ewes and milk tooth shorn ram classes.
Additionally, Mr Webb said the event allows students to try their hand at judging.
“It’s a great opportunity for students to have to think at a higher level, and also gain exposure to the sheep industry,” he said.
“All the students competed in the junior judging competition, where they were required to judge four meat sheep and rank them.
“The students were marked on their selections, their presentation, and the way they handled the sheep when judging the sheep.”
Six of the students were then invited to give an oral presentation to the chief judge, Paul Routley.
Beth Loughridge placed third and Maggie Bramley was selected as the overall winner.
As a result of their successes during the fair, Finley High School was also presented with the Most Successful School award.