THE biggest farming event on the south-west calendar is set to return this weekend in its usual format after the COVID-19 pandemic caused a two-year hiatus.
Sheepvention Rural Expo will start on Sunday, July 31 at the Hamilton Showgrounds, with the fun continuing on Monday, August 1, and Tuesday, August 2.
The event will host over 400 traders, the renowned Hamilton and Western District Sheep Show, Ram Sale, CopRice Victorian Farm Dog Championships, Wool Handling, Inventions, Junior Judging, Kids Photography and Scarecrow competitions, agricultural speakers, and kids’ activities.
Hamilton Pastoral & Agricultural Society president, Kathryn Robertson, said the committee was “very much looking forward to the return of Sheepvention”.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm from everyone involved and there has been heaps of interest in this year’s event,” she said.
The long-awaited event will be officially opened by special guest, Australian journalist and television presenter, Pip Courtney, on Sunday at 12.15pm in the Sheep Pavilion.
Ms Courtney, best known for her work as a reporter and host of ABC series, Landline, has won numerous awards for her agricultural journalism, including a Queensland Media Award for Excellence in Rural Journalism, the Rabobank Star Prize for Rural Broadcasting, the National Rabobank Star Prize, and the International Star Prize for Rural Broadcasting for her 2011 two-part feature on the coal seam gas industry in Queensland.
Ms Robertson said the committee were anticipating a huge turnout for Sheepvention this year, with locals excited to see the well-loved event return.
“We are anticipating lots of people through the gates and a fantastic event, with something for everyone,” she said.
“There will be entertainment for young and old!”
This year, the Atlex Stockyards Innovations Hub will feature not only inventions, but also new and emerging technologies in the agricultural sector, with the Producers Pavilion hosting a wide variety of produce, as well as interactive and educational displays for all ages.
The renowned Hamilton and Western District Sheep Show will take place on Monday and the Ram Sale will again be a major component of this year’s Sheepvention Rural Expo.
While this sale is generally renowned for its pen of five, this year the committee has also opened up to a pen of three to cater for various studs, following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crowd-favourite, the CopRice Victorian Farm Dog Championship, is again set to be a fantastic competition for the working dogs and handlers competing in the Encourage, Novice, Open, and State Championship events.
Brand new in 2022, the Entertainment Centre will keep the young ones warm and dry, with the bustling centre featuring jumping castles, lawn games, circus performances, workshops, face painting, kids’ movies and much more.
Adult tickets cost $25 and entry for children (under-18) is free.
Pre-purchase your tickets online at embed.ticketbooth.com.au/event/sheepvention-rural-expo
