On Saturday Walcha district studs Auchen Dhu, Miramoona, Nerstane, Petali, Shalimar Park, Westvale and Yalgoo and Queenlee and Whyworry Park, Uralla, welcomed visitors from near and far to inspect their sheep and wool.

Other studs, including some from further afield, set up an impressive display of merinos at the Walcha Showground. They included Airlie (Nowendoc), Emoh Ruo (Bundarra), Essex Hill (Kentucky), Kelvin Vale (Uralla), Maisters Swamp (Kentucky), Stanley Vale (Uralla), Waverley Downs (Delungra) and Yoorooga (Tenterfield).

Guest speaker at the barbecue dinner at the showground on Saturday night was Australian Wool Innovation CEO Brenda McGahan.

Ms McGahan outlined the AWI’s new marketing focus and how the organisation was using grower funds, before taking some questions from the floor.

“Our job is to get the world talking about wool again, and to create a preference for quality wool products - certified by the world famous Woolmark brand - products for which consumers are willing to pay a premium,” she said.

“You have my commitment and my team’s to help reignite global demand for this wonderful fibre and rebuild confidence in the long term viability of Australia’s wool industry.”

Courtesy busses, carrying about 60 people departed the showground at 8am, but many people toured studs in private vehicles, making it nearly impossible to estimate visitor numbers according to one of the organisers, Janet Carter.

“We are getting really positive feedback from this year’s event. While it’s nearly impossible to estimate numbers, on Saturday night there were about 250 people in attendance to listen to Brenda McGahan’s speech and enjoy a barbecue dinner,” she said.

Following dinner, there was a fashion parade courtesy of the Australian Wool Fashion Awards.

On Sunday, two more local studs - Karori and Lorelmo - were on the circuit, as well as Alfoxton (Armidale), Cressbrook (Enmore) and Deeargee (Uralla).