2025 Australian Fleece Competition Results

John and Rosemary Humbert of Kedleston Park have taken out the 2025 Grand Champion title at the Australian Fleece Competition in Bendigo.

Now in its 24th year, the Australian Fleece Competition remains the largest fully measured fleece competition in the world, attracting 428 entries from 152 exhibitors.

This year’s competition featured entries from all Australian wool-growing states and catered to the full spectrum of wool types from the finest Merinos through to British Breeds. Fleeces ranged in micron from 12.7 to 54.5, demonstrating the incredible depth and diversity of the national wool clip.

Mark Symes, who has been a judge in the competition for the last two years, praised the dedication of exhibitors.

“It was brilliant to see so many exhibitors bring so much enthusiasm to the competition this year. Off the back of a challenging year, the quality and quantity of entries was outstanding,” Symes said.

The Grand Champion fleece, measuring 19.7 micron, came from the Fine Medium Merino Stud Ewe or Wether class and scored 95.85 out of a possible 100 points.

John Humbert, from Kedleston Park said the win was a significant milestone.

“We are really excited and proud to have won the Grand Champion fleece award at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, fulfilling a twenty-year ambition. John said.

Pictured: Rosemary and John Humbert of Kedleston Park

The Reserve Grand Champion Fleece was awarded to M & H Green, Boudjah, Nimmitabel, New South Wales, with a Superfine Merino Ewe fleece, scoring 95.50 and measuring 18.0 micron.

Judges for the 2025 competition were Mark Symes, G Schneider Australia Pty Ltd, and David Hart, Nutrien Ag Solutions.

Hart noted the exceptional depth of quality across all classes this year. 

“Overall, the competition is a terrific showcase for our wool industry and wool growers. The breeding and management skill behind these fleeces is extraordinary,” Hart said.

Competition Convenor and Nutrien Ag Solutions Wool Account Manager, Candice Cordy, said the number of entries and exhibitors reflects the continued commitment of growers to the wool industry.

“We’ve seen strong support again this year, with entries continuing to grow year on year,” Cordy said.

All fleeces were weighed and sampled under AWTA’s standard procedures, including objective measurement of length and strength.

The competition is a collaboration between the Australian Sheep Breeders Association (ASBA), the Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA), and Nutrien Ag Solutions, and runs alongside the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, held in Bendigo from 18–20 July 2025.

Over half the fleeces are donated each year by exhibitors, with proceeds going to a nominated charity. Since its inception, the competition has raised over $225,000 for charities across Australia.

This year’s nominated charity is Rural Aid.

Review the full 2025 Australian Fleece Competition Catalogue of Results HERE.

Review the 2025 Australian Fleece Competition Results Table HERE.