Marra Field day was held on Saturday 13 July with a fantastic crowd in attendance.

The small village of Marra (situated between Warren, Coonamble, Walgett and Nyngan) holds the field day annually and it takes a mammoth effort for the tiny community to bring it all together.

In a district renowned for its quality wool, the Field day hosted competitions for Maiden Ewe, Prime Lamb, Grand Champion Ewe, Merino Hogget Ram, Pen of 3 Prime lambs, Pen of 5 2023 drop Ewe competition, Sheep counting, Farmers Challenge, Invention – Innovation Competition and even a Calcutta Dinosaur race, along with an array of stalls and demonstrations, the day had something for everyone.

“The day was a success,” according to Jack Green, President of the Marra Hall Trustees. ”I can’t thank the sponsors, studs, exhibitors, stallholders and the general public enough for all coming along.”

“The efforts from the Field day committee were rewarded with a great day out.”

“It’s always a pleasure to see so many people travel to our community and showcase the ag industry,” he said.

With prizes over $8000 up for the taking, the committee did an amazing job attracting over 25 sheep, cattle, goat and kelpie studs to attend the day.

Junior sheep counters in action at the 2024 Marra Creek Field Day. IMAGE SUPPLIED

Organiser for the sheep events Andrew McGrath told Western Plains App he was really happy with the turn out.

“We had a great day at the Field Days in the sheep section. It was great to see all the studs that turned up to support us and the quality of sheep and wool were exceptional,” said Mr. McGrath.

“It takes a big effort for the breeders to come out for the day and we are always pleased to catch up with them all and have a yard,” he said.

Matthew Coddington from Roseville Park Stud Dubbo was the 2024 judge for the sheep events and with 14 rams competing he had his hands full, finally deciding on “Towonga” Stud of Peak Hill for first place, “Boonoke” stud of Deniliquin was awarded second place and “Haddon Rig” of Warren came in third.

The pen of five merinos and the champion ewe awards were taken out by local graziers George and Libby Caton in a successful day for the pair, while the Reid family took out the inaugural Paul Kelly trophy for the champion commercial merino ewe.

Lamph Pastoral had lots to smile about by days end with first and second ribbons in the short wool ewe judging as well as reserve champion in the three lamb’s pen.

Jim McLaughlin and “Merryanbone” collected a flock prize along with the Steele family’s “Mundadoo” and Gordon Welsh and “Wamboin”.

The popular sheep counting competition saw Dubbo stock agent Lachie Mann take the Open win, Local Lady Kelley Earl took out the ladies counting, while Egelabra jackaroo Digby Munro was named under 25 best Counter.

Charlie Gibson won the popular junior counting competition to add to his win at Nyngan Show’s junior sheep counting competition for 2024.

A jackaroos race where contestants wore dinosaur outfits had the crowd in stitches along with the Farmers Challenge with cheers all round for the plucky competitors.

With a catch cry of “Let your innovative ideas shine by creating something that tackles a problem or simplifies life” entries to the Innovation section saw a display of great thinking in practical design.

Local Peter Reid won the open section with a generator cut-off. Ethan Reid (son of Pete) was Runner-up with a trailer step, and a toasting fork made by Tony Cooper came in third.

Junior Innovator Ryan Newton not only took out first prize, but his home-made trailer was put to good use transporting rams to the judging pen and back, while Marra local Pippa Turnbull scored second place with her feed bucket design.

A highlight of the day was an auction with an array of items to sell. The proceeds of the auction were divided 50/50 with half being donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the other half used for the upkeep of the much used and loved Marra Hall.

Charlie Gibson was winner of the Junior Sheep Counting competition. IMAGE SUPPLIED.

Narelle Spears and her husband Kevin of Hermidale attended the day with their White Dorper and Boer goats stud – ‘Dusty Downs’.

“We love supporting the Marra field day. It is a well organised event and a great day out,” said Mrs. Spears.

“As well as displaying our White Dorper Rams and Boer Goats we enjoyed the opportunity to socialise and network with the Marra community and its visitors.

“We chatted to people from Blackall, Victoria and a multitude of places in between. While the day was a little cool, the coffee was hot and the steak sandwich outstanding. We look forward to next year’s field day.”