WITH unusually mild winter weather, Sheepvention 2024 hosted big crowds creating side streets jammed with parked cars and utes; people being attracted to the event by all manner of things agricultural, rural – and lots more.

The Hamilton Showgrounds was packed with trade exhibitors, competitions, livestock, machinery, talks, demonstrations and fun to keep visitors occupied from morning until late afternoon – with barely any wet ground to contend with and many people shedding warm coats and stuffing counterproductive beanies into their pockets.

President, David Botterill expressed his satisfaction with this year’s expo and was especially pleased with the suitability of the new 45x56-metre shed.

“We’ve had amazing weather, which has contributed to fantastic crowd numbers,” he said.

“The ACE Radio Innovations Hub and Producers Market – housed in the new shed – has been a real highlight.

“It’s been wonderful to see how well this new space has worked and how it has enhanced the experience for everyone involved.”

But the bright sunshine and lack of mud may have had a darker undertone for some farmers attending, serving as a sobering reminder of the region’s unseasonal dry weather since the middle of January, with Hamilton just finishing its second-driest-ever February to July period on record, the lowest on record (152 millimetres) being in 1967.

With an average of 332mm in the six-month period, only 176mm has fallen in 2024 and 53 per cent of that was in July alone; far too late for grass to grow well.

Farmers have been doing it tough in the south west in this period, which made the effort to put on a comprehensive show for this year even more remarkable.

Lowan MP, Emma Kealy also noted how the weather was a stark difference with previous years - “I can’t remember a Sheepvention where my boots were dusty at the end of the day”- and spoke enthusiastically about how it was always one of the best parts of her job to attend “such an iconic event”.

“I loved it,” she said.

“That’s my highlight …  getting out – that’s the bit I love in my job, you’re actually out with the people.”

She said she found it especially gratifying to see how some exhibitors would “showcase their businesses or where they work - and they’re really proud of it.”

“Even talking to Wayne (Schild) at Grange Garlic – that’s such a great story of an idea that’s turned into locally grown garlic that’s processed locally and it’s taking the cooking world by storm,” she said.

“It’s exciting to see how it showcases what we do so well in the region.”

Grange Garlic Kitchen was a popular and standout feature in the new shed, which, alongside the RIST and South West TAFE interactive areas, drew considerable attention and praise from visitors.

The latter was the recipient of the Best Indoor Trade Display because of its value, while its outdoor equivalent was Brandt, with its impressive line-up of agricultural machinery.

Ms Kealy also spoke of the disappointment many farmers had shared with her about the non-attendance of the agriculture minister – “There were a few people pretty annoyed about that” - and underlined how the green drought misery articulated by many was not just a reaction to the conditions but also from a perceived lack of government support.

A conversation with a 70-year-old farmer on Monday stood out especially to her.

“I was speaking with someone this afternoon who ended up in tears,” Ms Kealy said.

“They’ve worked their whole life and put so much into the productivity of the state and now when times are tough, the minister won’t even come out and see them or talk to them.

“To see someone in tears who isn’t like that at all – you know that things are pretty bad.”

Ms Kealy said the drought situation made the achievement of this year’s event that much more noteworthy.

“It’s a massive job by a group of volunteers who work tirelessly every year,” she said.

“Even though some of the people on the committee are volunteers, a lot of them are spending a lot of time at the moment feeding out their own sheep and they still would turn up.

“It’s a testament to the commitment of volunteers in our community and the Hamilton P&A Society.”

Many other competitions were held, and in a prestigious moment the Supreme Champion Merino Ram and Ewe awards were claimed by two outstanding studs.

The Champion Ram title went to Mount Yulong Poll Merino Stud, renowned for its exceptional breeding quality and presentation.

Meanwhile, the Champion Ewe was awarded to Tamaleuca Merino & Poll Merino Stud, celebrated for its superior wool characteristics and overall excellence.

With her eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic seedling punnets, Aussie Wool Pellets’ Sherri Symons was the first-ever female winner of the Robert F. Stewart Best Innovation, with her Planket Pot design.

The Planket Pot represents a significant advancement in sustainable gardening solutions.

Made from 100 per cent Australian wool, the pots help prevent root transplant shock and, biodegrading into the soil, enrich it with essential nutrients.

Bree Cudmore secured her name in farm dog excellence, winning the CopRice Victorian Farm Dog Championship for the third consecutive year.

A remarkable performance with her dog, Lanarch Moana, clinched the top spot with an impressive score of 281.

Southern Grampians Shire Council chief executive, Tony Doyle was at the opening and said he was conscious of how long “Sheepvention has been a blessing for our region” and how anticipated it was.

“We look forward to it all year and I don’t think we could have hoped for better weather than we’ve gotten this weekend,” he said.

“We saw something for everyone, from kids and families to the people doing serious business. Sheepvention has become far more than just a two-day event, it’s something unique to our Shire that we’re rightly proud to have.

“A huge congratulations to the organisers for putting together such a spectacle, especially in these tough times. You are a credit to your community!”

Wannon MP, Dan Tehan was also full of praise when reflecting on his experience at Sheepvention, and thought the event was unsurpassed, congratulating Hamilton P&A Society chairperson, Will Kinghorn and the volunteers on the committee for their efforts.

 Mr Tehan said he took time to “get around” various activities.

“I did a cooking class with Grange Garlic,” he admitted.

“I went to one of the very good seminars that was put on by Rabobank and called in on numerous other stalls and exhibitions and it was just fantastic.”

“When it comes to sheep and wool, there’s nothing better in Australia or the world.

“It’s the premier ag exhibition, without doubt.”

The good weather was also a factor for the food and drink vendors, with them selling substantially more cold drinks than expected on Sunday; Dine with a Difference owner, Vincenza Alexander said they actually sold out of cans of coke, even though they had stocked up the night before.

“The weather warmed up more than what we thought it was going to, so we’ll have to get some more today for tomorrow,” she said late on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Botterill spoke about how this year’s expo saw a well-received rearrangement of the grounds, which contributed to a smoother flow and a more enjoyable experience for attendees.

“The general vibe around the grounds has been excellent,” he said.

“The rearrangement has worked really well, and the general feeling is that we’ve seen strong numbers.”

He added how fresh ideas had reinvigorated the planning for Sheepvention.

“We’ve achieved a great mix of the previous and new generations on our committee,” Mr Botterill said.

“The younger members are bringing innovative ideas, while the more experienced members offer valuable insights from past experiences.

“This balance has allowed us to embrace new initiatives while maintaining a strong sense of continuity and caution.”

Reflecting on his two-year tenure in the top role, Mr Botterill said he was proud of the progress the committee had made as a team.

“I don’t see this as me handing over the reins, but rather as transitioning to the next phase with a fantastic committee in place,” he said.

“I am confident that Dazza (Darren Schurmann), who is stepping up, will continue to lead the Society with the same dedication and vision.”

The Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society extended its gratitude to all sponsors, exhibitors, and visitors who contributed to the success of the 2024 event and looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence and innovation in future events.