Statistics NZ data reveals a waning enthusiasm for sheep at a national level (currently at a population of 25million compared to 39million in 2003), but those in charge of the Wanaka Show’s sheep section believe sheep are still popular in the South.
This year, the show committee has introduced two new classes to its sheep section: a farmers commercial ram under 18 months (wool breed) and a farmers commercial ram under 18 months (meat breed).
The new classes (classes 850 and 851) will be a feature of the show on Saturday, March 9.
Instead of the usual cash prizes (ranging between $10 and $25), the new classes offer experiences provided by Lake Wanaka Cruises, Wanaka Water Taxi, The Hook, Maude Wines, Rippon Wines and Eco Wanaka Adventures.
Sheep section volunteer Murray Sheppard, of Cromwell, believes he has been to more than 250 shows during his lifetime involvement with the stud sheep industry.
"We are trying to get more entries. They have been a bit lean recently, and that is a national trend," he said.
His colleague, George Fletcher, of Cromwell, has "worn out countless pairs of shoes at countless shows", throughout his life as a farmer, show judge and as a former New Zealand Sheep Breeders president.
"These prizes we are offering, they are pretty unique. They will get to the top of the lake and things like that," Mr Fletcher said.
Mr Sheppard said the sheep for the new classes must come from a brucellosis accredited flock when purchased.
"This is a great opportunity for farmers to show new rams purchased, with great prizes and have a day out at the show. In addition, it also helps promote their stud breeder’s stock," he said.
Mr Fletcher said the beauty about the new classes was the sheep would come straight from the paddock and would appear more natural than pre-conditioned, grain-fed show sheep.
Other sheep sections include a Sheep Improvement Ltd (SIL) class introduced two years ago to help promote the use of production figures when selecting sheep.
"When judged, it is done on the basis of 50% figures and 50% conformation and breed type. These production figures are becoming more popular at selection time," Mr Sheppard said.
SIL is a national sheep database and keeps lambing, trait records and genomic information over many years.
The database allows breeders and their clients to select animals based on genetic traits relevant to their operation.
Other sheep classes offer prizes for merino, Romney, Dorset Down, Suffolk, poll Dorset, Texel and prime meat breeds.
Sheep will begin arriving at the show from about 8am on Saturday.
Judging takes place throughout the morning and all sheep section winners will be announced between 11am and noon.
Two supreme sheep of the show will then take part in the grand parade about 12.45pm, while the chief sheep judge speaks about their qualities and presents trophies to the owners.
