Enthusiastic stud sheep breeders and exhibitors from across the central west made the trip to the Marra Hall, midway between Nyngan, Warren, Coonamble and Walgett, for the revived annual field day last week.

The tightly held Marra district is well known for producing top quality wool, and in more recent years there has also been an influx of cattle, goats, meat sheep and also cropping.

Kellie Turnbull, Marra Station and Kate Yabsley, Murrawombi, Girilambone were both exhibitors at the Marra Field Day.

Thirty four sheep studs and two kelpie studs from as far afield as the Riverina and the central west were on site showcasing their genetics and entering in the maiden ewe, fat lamb and hogget ram judging.

Field Day spokesman Mark Dawson estimated around 600 people attended the event on Friday 22 July, which exceeded the expectations of the committee.

"We didn't charge entry so it was hard to estimate the size of the crowd but the car park was pretty full, and I was surprised at the number of people I hadn't seen for a long time who made the effort to be there."

“It’s a great get together for everyone. It's run by the Marra Hall Trustees, and proceeds go to the upkeep of the hall and the amenities.”

Sheep judge Tony Inder presents the winning hogget ram sash to an entry from Poll Boonoke stud, held by Angus Munro.

Mr Dawson said there was strong interest in the event from sheep studs, many of whom had first come last year when the Mid State Merino group – an association of wool producing studs from the Central West – opted to hold its annual field day there.

This year many of those studs returned and were joined by others from the Macquarie and the Riverina, as well as Dorper, Boar goat, Border Leicester and Dohne breeders which have found a market in the area.

Jim McLaughlin Merryanbone North Poll Merino stud, Warren (centre) won the maiden ewe competition. Pictured with stud manager James Smith and competition co-ordinator Jack Green.

Brad Chalker from the Lach River Merino and Poll Merino stud at Cowra, made the five hour trip to the Marra with a selection of his sheep.

"We came last year and found it a good day and a great way to promote our sheep out this way. There's a lot of very good wool producers out here," he said.

A ram from the Riverina-based Poll Boonoke stud, owned by Australian Food and Agriculture, won the Hogget Merino/Dohne Ram competition judged by Tony Inder, Allendale Merino stud Wellington. In second place was an entry from Lach River.

Local Poll Merino stud, Merryanbone North, owned by JA McLaughlin Partnership, won the Maiden ewe competition and clients, Marra locals Simon and Kelly Earl "Longstowe" were second.

Mullengudgery stud manager Manning Doughty, with principals Bomber and Tom Moxham, Nyngan.

The prime lamb competition was divided into four sections. The Steele family's Outback MPM stud won the heavyweight trade class; Gordon Welsh's "Womboin Station" won the medium trade; Simpson Partnership won the light trade; and Lamph Partnership won the "exotic" section with a pen of Aussie Whites.

There was plenty of interest in the sheep counting competition. 

Ten-year-old Pippa Turnbull from Marra Station won the junior competition. Egelabra stud jackaroo Will Young won a hotly contested under 25 count, Christine Stuart from Tooraweenah was champion lady counter and Pat Lamph, "Lynwood" Coonamble won the open.

Mick Jones from Richardson and Sinclair, Dubbo, presents Pippa Turnbull with her junior sheep counting trophy.

Marra Field days publicity officer Kellie Turnbull said there was strong interest from exhibitors wanting to be part of the event, and many had travelled long distances.

“After all the Covid the restrictions I think everyone is extra keen to get out and about again and these events are a great way for them to show what they have and meet people face to face.”

Open sheep counting winner Pat Lamph, Carinda is presented with his trophy by field days committee member Mark Dawson and sponsor Mick Jones, Richardson and Sinclair.