Fame and fortune
Recognition and encouragement awards have been an enduring feature of the Australian wool industry. Graziers compete at local shows for a ribbon, or in international competitions where winning fleeces can be literally worth their weight in gold.
Competitors can't rely on one sheep to produce a winning fleece; they must breed and develop an entire flock of potential prizewinners. Together, woolgrowers and textile manufacturers who sponsor competitions have played a major role in improving the quality of Australian merino wool.
Golden Bale, the best Australian wool for 1968.
Photo: Les Gorrie. State Library of Victoria.
Photo: Les Gorrie. State Library of Victoria.
