Sheffield School crowned grand champion at Tasmanian School Merino Challenge

Sheffield School have been crowned grand champions at the 2026 Tasmanian School Merino Challenge.

The north-west school also finished first in the fleece section and second in the carcass section behind the Winnaleah District High School.

Lilydale District School took out the best presented section, Dominic College was named reserve champion, and Scottsdale was awarded most outstanding student presentation at what was the fourth year of the competition in Tasmania.

Competition coordinator Lachie West said that he was impressed with the quality of the schools that took part.

“In the early years of the competition there were a few standout schools,” Mr West said.

“But now it’s really become quite an even playing field.

“I don’t know if they’re taking learnings from previous years or learning from each other as they come to competitions, but it's becoming a really competitive event.”

This year’s Tasmanian School Merino Challenge featured 16 schools, with Kings Meadows and Queechy High Schools making their debut.

“It’s really good to see some of those urban schools getting involved,” Mr West said.

“The key thing about this program is that we want to expose these kids who are at school to all the different types of careers that are available in the sheep, wool and agricultural industry more broadly, which I think it’s achieving.”

The student presentation section was introduced in this year’s competition for the first time following feedback, which Scottsdale High School won.

“Each school had to do a five-minute presentation on their experience over the past six months with agricultural education in front of one other school and a panel of judges,” Mr West said.

“Some schools were nervous about public speaking, but others really enjoyed it.

“Overall, I think that it was a really valuable addition to the competition.”