The Elders Northern Clip of the Year awards were this week held in Deniliquin to honour excellence in wool production from across northern Victoria and the Riverina.
Sue McKenzie (centre) presenting the Clyde McKenzie Northern Clip of the Year to 2024 award winners Susan and John Graham. Supported by State Wool Manager Lachie Brown, wool classer Rob Dawes and Elders District Wool Manager David Wilson.
For almost 30 years, the annual Elders Clip of the Year awards have been held all over the country as a showcase of quality and innovation in Australian wool production.
The evenings recognise the best wool clips marketed by Elders from across specific regions.
This year, the Northern awards saw stiff competition, with winners selected from approximately 400 clips judged weekly. Winners are judged based on wool quality, preparation, and market appeal; a testament to the meticulous efforts of each grower.
"The awards underscore the remarkable quality of wool produced in the region,” said Elders State Wool Manager, Lachie Brown.
"Each clip represents not just superior craftsmanship but also meticulous preparation and documentation.”
This year’s awards were particularly special to many, as it was announced that the top award would be renamed after long-standing Elders employee and Riverina wool stalwart, Clyde McKenzie, who sadly passed away in 2023. To mark his legacy, the awards will now be known as the Clyde McKenzie Northern Clip of the Year.
Sue McKenzie, Clyde’s wife, was proud to be in attendance and explained that "no one embodied the passion for breeding high-quality wool and meticulous preparation quite like Clyde. He was dedicated to his craft, driven not by accolades but by a genuine love for sheep and wool."
Lachie explained that the whole team were proud to pay homage to Clyde’s legacy on the night.
"We were deeply honoured to have Sue McKenzie and her family join us tonight," he said.
"Their unwavering support for Clyde and his vision has been instrumental in shaping these awards into what they are today."
Award winners from the past two years were announced on the evening.
Western Plains Grazing took out the 2022/2023 Clyde McKenzie Northern Clip of the Year with their clip ‘Yamba’, which was classed by Joel Higgins.
The 2023/2024 Clyde McKenzie Northern Clip of the Year Award winners were J R Graham Trust, with clip ‘S & SW / Boonongo’, classed by Rob Daws.
John Graham, who was honoured to receive the accolade, said he credits favourable weather conditions for the success of the clip.
"We don’t do this to win, but I'm really happy to have that on my mantlepiece,” he said.
"The sheep had a good start off the board following the previous flood year, with a soft winter and timely rains in October, ensuring a consistent feed regime throughout.
"We've always been passionate about farming, and it is very much a family-run operation. My family has been affiliated with Elders for generations. We've appreciated their dedication to selling and marketing wool, which has been crucial for us.”
Having previously been a clip of the year recipient, John fondly remembered Clyde McKenzie's influence, stating, "he was a great mentor who guided us through difficult times, and I am delighted to see this award named in his honour."