The 2025 Merino SA School Merino Wether Competition (SMWC) saw an impressive turnout, with 41 South Australian schools going head-to-head. Five schools entered a single team of three Merino Wether lambs, while the others entered two teams each—bringing the total to 77 teams and 231 sheep and students involved in this vibrant event.

The SMWC provides opportunities for students to have contact with many aspects of the Merino sheep industry from Stud and Commercial Breeders, Stock Agents, Wool Buyers, through to Processors. It aims to practically educate and engage students on the commercial production of Merino sheep by giving them a memorable hands-on experience, covering a broad spectrum of sheep and wool production skills.

Congratulations to the following schools and their students, on their placings in the 2025 School Merino Wether Competition:

Best Pen of Three Wethers (Spence, Dix & Co)

1. Lucindale Area School - 1
2. Clare High School
3. Birdwood - 1

Best Meat Value (Thomas Foods International)

1. Lucindale Area School - 1
2. Wudinna Area School - 1
3. Unity College - 2

Highest Weight Gain by a Group (Urrbrae Agricultural High School)

1. Riverton & District High School - 1
2. Clare High School
3. Faith Lutheran College - 1

Supreme Pen - Overall Meat & Fleece Winner (John Rothwell Perpetual Shield and The Mutooroo Pastoral Co)

1. Lucindale - 1

Most Professional Show Team (ATASA)

1. Tintinara Area School
2. Balaklava High School
3. Oakbank Area School

Show Team Development Award (Elders Trainee Program)

1. Wudinna Area School

Handler Award (Rabobank)

1. Matilda Keller – Tintinara Area School
2. Laine Jackson – Urrbrae Ag High Schoo
3. Indy Veldstra – Urrbrae Ag High School
4. Kianah Burns – Birdwood High School
5. Jessica Frick – Naracoorte High School

An enormous thank you to our Sponsors:

• Spence Dix & Co
• Australian Wool Network
• Thomas Foods - Australia
• Mutooroo Pastoral Co
• ATASA
• Elders
• Rabobank Australia
• Australian Wool Innovation
• Royal Adelaide Show