Doug Bicket was a tireless worker on the Parkes Show Committee, most particularly in the merino sheep section, and had a strong passion for the merino industry.

He helped launch the competition in its early years and was a regular on the bus trip, never short of a story to share with whoever was lucky enough to be close by.

Doug witnessed and embraced many innovations during his lifetime and would no doubt have been excited by the cutting edge technology being introduced as part of this years staging.

Garry O’Brien, chief steward of the event, said an exciting new element of this year’s event was the full genomic testing on all teams by the Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC), which has been a proud supporter of the competition for a number of years.

“The DNA testing will enable full genetic profiling and indexing of the genetic potential of each team,” Mr O’Brien said.  

“While this technology is quite new and places our local farmers at the cutting edge of technology, Sheep CRC representatives will be on hand to ensure all entrants and those in attendance can understand and utilise the results to target specific areas to improve their flock.”

The Sheep CRC is committed to seeing this technology rolled out and used not just by the stud industry but on a commercial basis across Australia.

A special information workshop has been planned for Thursday, February 22, to be held upstairs at the Parkes Services Club from 1pm.

“This workshop aims to fully explain the genomic profiling and how to utilise the results on-farm,” Mr O’Brien said.

The ewe competition itself has been growing in popularity and a record nine entries proves this year will be no different.

Buoyed by excellent commodity prices, there has never been a better time to be in the Merino industry.

Industry representatives and guest speakers will be on hand throughout the day to update attendees on all the latest developments in the industry.

“A great day was had by the many spectators who attended last year’s event, with many commenting it was a rare chance to see a wide variety of sheep run under a range of environmental and management conditions, and that it was a real showcase for the district,” Mr O’Brien said.

A large number of bloodlines will be represented and judging will be no easy task for this year’s  judges: Graham Wells, past owner and principle of the One Oak Merino Stud and Craig Wilson of Craig Wilson and Associates.

An air-conditioned coach has been arranged to carry attendees from property to property so everyone is free to sit back, relax and catch up throughout the day.

Departure will be at 7am from the Parkes Town Bowling Club. The day will conclude with a barbecue along with the presentation of prize winners. Everyone is welcome to go along and be a part of the day.

To register your interest and book a spot for either the special workshop or the ewe competition, email parkesshow@bigpond.com or phone Kaye at the Parkes Show Office on 02 6862 2580.