Omeo woolgrowers Alan and Noelene Smith have been awarded the 2024/2025 Elders Southern Clip of the Year. The award was announced at the recent Sheepvention Rural Expo in Hamilton, Victoria.
Left to right: Madi Gallagher, DWM Bairnsdale, with Southern Clip of the Year winners Noelene and Alan Smith, and Elders’ State Wool Manager, Lachie Brown.
The award honours outstanding wool production and celebrates dedication and resilience of whole farming operations.
Their winning clip, classed by daughter Belinda Smith, was described by Elders’ wool marketing and quality assurance manager Samantha Wan as a standout entry from a family who “consistently presents quality fleece.”
The clip featured 18.2 micron wool with a 76 per cent yield and 42 newtons in tensile strength, exemplifying the style, softness, and soundness sought after by premium buyers and markets.
“This is a fleece that truly reflects the best of our southern wool industry soft handling, waterproof white wool with consistent quality year after year,” said Sam.
In accepting the award, Noelene Smith gave heartfelt thanks to the many people who have supported their wool journey both in the good times and through deep challenges.
She acknowledged former Elders wool manager Mal Nicholls, their long-time livestock agent David Hill, and shearer Duncan Burgess as integral to their success especially during two devastating bushfires in 2003 and again in 2020.
“After losing over 1,000 sheep in 2003, the help from Elders staff and clients across Gippsland got us through. David was on the phone constantly, helping organise clean-up and recovery.”
Their daughter Belinda, a professional wool classer, has been preparing the Smith clip for several years and was recognised for her exceptional skill and care.
“She started as a rouseabout and has grown into an award-winning classer. She couldn’t be here today because she attended the funeral of a longtime client, which says a lot about the kind of person she is ,” Noelene said.
The award was presented at Sheepvention, where Elders has had a long-standing presence. For Lachy Patterson, Branch Manager at Elders Hamilton, the event is much more than an agricultural expo, it’s a celebration of community.
“We’re proud to support Sheepvention and to see our site become a real meeting place for clients and families. People come for a coffee, a chat, and to share what’s happening on the land,” Lachy said.
The Smith family’s win is a reminder of the dedication and passion that underpins Australia’s wool industry. In the words of Noelene:
“I know Alan will be very proud to receive the Bronze Ram trophy today. It’s been a long journey, and this recognition means the world to us.”