Maniototo merino breeders Allan and Eris Paterson have won the NZWTA Otago Merino Clip of the Year award, announced in Queenstown on Friday night.
The Patersons run the Armidale Merino stud, which was started by Mr Paterson's grandfather, George, before World War 2, during which time it lapsed.
His father Bruce resurrected the stud in 1954 and today it is run by Allan, Eris and their son Simon.
First runner-up was another Maniototo merino breeder, Jim Hore, from Stonehenge, and the second runner-up was Earl Attfield, from Waikeri Downs, Clyde.
Armidale won the 18 to 20 micron adult wool section and 16.9 to 20 micron hogget sections.
Omarama farmers dominated the Ravensdown merino production competition section, with Greg Stuart from Tara Hills Station taking first place, and Richard and Annabelle Subtil, Omarama Station, named runner-up.
Lauder farmers Robbie and and Becs Calder won the Child Cancer fleece competition, having also won the section's fine wool section.
