Australian Fleece Competition

About the Australian Fleece Competition

Each year Nutrien Wool partners with the Australian Sheep Breeders Association and the Australian Wool Testing Authority to hold the largest fully measured fleece competition in the world; the Australian Fleece Competition as part of the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo, Victoria.

With fleeces received from all across the country, representing all wool growing states the competition caters for all major wool types, from Ultra Fine Merinos through to British breeds. The performance class also showcases fleeces from wool growers who shear at 6-8 month intervals. Each fleece is fully tested to AWTA standards and also judged subjectively by a judging panel.

There are multiple awards for each class, with over 50 awards on offer, as well as the highly coveted Grand Champion Award. The total prize value on offer is over $18,000.

The generosity of exhibitors has resulted in over $190,000 being raised for National charities over the 20 years of the competition. In 2022 we will be celebrating the 21st year of the Australian Fleece Competition, and plans are underway to make it the biggest and best showing to date.  Fleeces shorn from July 2021 – June 2022 will be eligible to be entered.  At the conclusion of the competition, exhibitors are encouraged to donate their fleeces to the nominated National charity. Lifeline Australia will be the benefiting charity for the 2022 competition.