A HIGHLIGHT of the Mansfield Agricultural and Pastoral Society’s annual show is the judging of the fleeces.

This year was no exception with more than 60 fleeces being presented for judging.

Judging is always held on the day before the show with champion fleeces taking centre stage for the showing during show day.

The judges this year were Connor Henderson from Nutrien Wool, Benalla and Jarrod Demarco from Nutrien Wool, Mansfield.

Overseeing the judging was Tamara Pabst from the Australian Wool Network.

With more than 60 fleeces to judge in a range of Merino and First Cross they ranged from 3kg to 7.5kg in weight.

The champion fleece weighed 7.7kg and the Cross Breed fleece weighed in at 7kg.

“The champion fleece was a Merino 16.5 micron and grossed at $94,” Mr Demarco said.

“And the Cross Breed fleece at 26.5 micron was 7kg as well and was a champion in its class.

That fleece was very white and light and the Merino champion was soft.

The champion fleece, also taking out the most valuable fleece prize was presented by Kilfeera Park, Lurg, while the Cross Breed fleece champion (comeback class) belonged to Mansfield’s Laurie Tanner.