The Otago Merino Association’s long-running competition — which has raised more than $360,000 for the charity over the years — attracted 132 entries this year.
Each year, farmers were invited to give a fleece which was then graded and sold by the New Zealand Merino Company, and all funds were given to the foundation.
Matangi — an 11,400ha property behind Alexandra’s ‘‘clock hill’’ in Little Valley — has been farmed by the Sanders family since 1923. It produces spinners’ style fine wool for the Italian market. Last year, John and Mary-Liz Sanders and John’s son, Brett, and his wife, Helen, were presented with Reda Group’s Marque of Excellence 2018-19 for top supplier in New Zealand.
Matangi has previously won the fleece competition three times — in 1994, 1996 and 2009. The cup was first awarded in 1989.
Brett Sanders said the family was ‘‘very chuffed’’ to win the award. Putting aside fleeces for the competition made them feel good — ‘‘knowing you’re just doing something good for someone that needs it’’, he said.
Results. —
Medium micron (17.9 and stronger) Olrig (Elliott and Nikki Heckler) 1, Cluden (Ben and Sam Purvis) 2, Mt St Bathans (Don Malcolm) 3.
Fine (17-17.8) Matangi (John and Mary-Liz, Brett and Helen Sanders) 1, Ben Ohau (Simon and Priscilla Cameron) 2, Buscot (Richard and Jemma Gloag) 3.
Super fine (16.1-16.9) Buscot 1, Craiglea (Brian, Maxine and Adam Wright) 2, Craighurst (Nick and Kim Richards) 3.
Ultra fine (16 and finer) Happy Valley (Duncan and Rae Henderson) 1, Waitangi (David and Kerrie Sutton) 2, Geordie Hill (Matt and Jo McCaughan) 3.
Overall winner: Matangi.
