A clash with a campdrafting event has forced the field day committee to shift its base to the Uralla Showground for the biennial field days to be held on January 14 and 15, 2012.

The first field day was held in 1978 with 20 studs participating and this year 25 studs - including three newcomers - will take part. The field days allow members of the public to travel to top merino studs around Walcha, Woolbrook, Kentucky, Uralla and Armidale to view stud and commercial sheep and associated wool displays.

Committee chairman Chris Clonan said the past 20 years have certainly been difficult for the wool industry, with depressed wool prices and variable seasons.

“I am pleased to say we may have finally turned the corner with a much improved wool market and consistent rainfall.

Through this period, field day members have shown perseverance and innovation to improve their stud enterprise. Clients now have the golden opportunity to

capitalise on this work and purchase quality genetics that will improve their overall profitability,” he said.

Committee secretary Janet Carter said the improved outlook for wool should translate into a good attendance level.

“Hopefully we see good crowds on both days. Participating studs put on a great display with some of the best genetics in the country,” she said. “We usually get about 300 visitors and the committee is optimistic that figure will be much higher this January.”

She said this year there will be nine studs displaying at the Uralla Showground. Courtesy buses will depart from the showground at 7.45am on Saturday and 8am on Sunday.

“We encourage visitors to use the free buses that do a circuit of all the properties,” she said.

Lunch will be available at Rob and Katrina Blomfield’s property Karori, where Lorelmo Stud will have their sheep on display, and dinner will be available at the Uralla showground after 6pm on Saturday.

Guest speaker for the evening will be Director of New England Wool Andrew Blanch.

Australian Wool Fashion Awards director Liz Foster has also organised a fabulous fashion parade to conclude the evening’s events.