Local on a high after fleece wins

This year's Dyson Jones Fleece Competition attracted a strong field of entries to the Newdegate Machinery Field Days, with plenty of support from local woolgrowers.

Twenty-eight fleeces were judged across seven categories - character, handle, colour, length, soundness, evenness and density.

Winning the overall champion was a superfine fleece from Tilbrook and Teal, near Lake King.

Judge Gavin Shepherd said it was a well-presented and stylish fleece, and was sound and evenly grown.

Newdegate woolgrower Robert Newman took home both the medium and fine wool sashes.

It was a special win because it recognised the efforts of Mr Newman, a local grower, and local Merino stud Keetlen Valley.

Mr Newman has been using rams from Keith Hams' stud, Keetlen Valley, for 12 years.

"Keith Hams classes our sheep and most of the credit belongs to him. All we do is keep the sheep alive," Mr Newman said.

Dyson Jones WA director Peter Howie said the proceeds from the sale of the fleeces would be donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Kate Pollard