Jamestown Show has wool as focus

Jamestown Agriculture, Horticulture and Floriculture Society president David Cooper said the Jamestown Show was a two-day event through the 1920s, with the last two-day show held in 1930 before the Depression reduced entry numbers.

He said the goal was to encourage people to make a weekend of it in the region, following the Jamestown Races on the Saturday, with the show to be held on the Sunday and Monday of the October long weekend.

He said the extended format would also allow for more activities, including live entertainment on the Sunday evening.

Along with the extended format, David said the committee was placing a greater focus on revamping its sheep and wool section, which fits with the 2017 theme.

“We pick a theme every year and this year it happens to be ‘Wonderful Wool’,” he said.

“There is a strong connection in this region – there plenty of studs in area and a longstanding history of sheep and wool production.”

David said the project was being driven by a fresh sheep and wool committee who were passionate about promoting the industry.

He said part of this revamp was aided by increased sponsorship and prizemoney in many of the sheep and wool sections, including $2250 for the Landmark ewe hogget competition and the NAB fleece competition worth $1500 in the commercial section.

For stud sheep there is up to $6000 available for the northern agriculture ram, ewe and pair of the year. 

The extended format will also allow for the return of the Solar Water Pumps speed shear competition on the Sunday night, while the Shear Magic sports shearing competition remains for Monday.

The wool theme also extends to the fashion show, while Australian Wool Innovation ambassador Catriona Rowntree will present all sheep and wool trophies.

David said the focus on livestock was part of their drive to continue the emphasis on agriculture.

“We really want to maintain it as an agricultural show rather than letting it drift off to be a fair-style event,” he said.

David said this emphasis on sheep and wool would not take away from other sections, with goo entries in the horse ring, and the poultry section attracting competitors from as far afield as Adelaide, Whyalla and Alice Springs, NT.