Sophie Hunter with three of the recently delivered sheep they will raise and manage as part of the 2026 NSW Merino Wether Challenge. ▪ Photo contributed
Cobar High School’s Ag students have once again signed up for the NSW School Merino Wether Challenge, supported by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), in partnership with various stud breeder associations.
The annual challenge aims to broaden students’ learning experience and is an engaging hands-on program (much different from classroom learning) that sees schools from across the state raise and manage a team of Merino wethers over a six-month period.
Throughout the program, students from 70 schools across the state who are taking part in the challenge, will develop practical skills in sheep handling, feeding and nutrition, and animal husbandry, while gaining a valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of the sheep and wool industry.
The NSW School Merino Wether Challenge aims to give students a better understanding of the sheep and wool practices as a business and is also an opportunity to network with industry participants and other students.
The challenge concludes with a two-day judging event at the Rabobank Dubbo National Merino Show in August, where teams are assessed on the quality of both meat and wool.
Students also take part in a range of workshops and activities designed to highlight career opportunities within agriculture.
The competition is held in all states across the country.
The wethers for Cobar High School and other participating schools in the NSW Challenge have generously been donated by the Egelabra Merino Stud.
