Australian Sheep and Wool Show president Peter Baker on the post-Covid comeback

Last year was make-or-break for the Australian Sheep and Wool Show after Covid drained the coffers. But it roared back to life and is going on strong.

After a successful comeback last year, the Australian Sheep and Wool Show is aiming for repeat success in 2023. Picture: Zoe Phillips

With the iconic event’s future hanging by a superfine fibre, Peter Baker knew last year was a make-or-break moment for the historic Australian Sheep and Wool Show.

As president of the organising committee, Mr Baker and his team pulled of a huge task and helped the show bounce back from a nightmare 11th hour Covid cancellation the year before.

“In 2021, we got shut down on the night before the show,” Mr Baker said. “And that cost us a hell of a lot of money. It certainly puts the skids under you.

“We didn’t know last year if we would be able to keep it going.

“But we were able to do it, and had a good show, and now here we are going again.”

Australian Sheep and Wool Show president Peter Baker with sheep on his farm at Baringhup. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Mr Baker has passed the reins of his family’s White Suffolk and Corriedale studs on to his son, Shane, and daughter-in-law, Amber.

That has freed up the Baringhup farmer to focus on organising the iconic show, which is the biggest of its kind in the world attracting hundreds of stallholders and featuring more than 2000 sheep.

This year’s show kicks off in six weeks, and Mr Baker said there would be something there for everyone.

Picture: Zoe Phillips

“That has been a big thing that we pride ourselves on,” he said.

“Whoever comes in the gate, we would be able to provide some points of interest for them.

“There are 450 trade sites, ranging from selling anything made of wool to beds and socks.

“We cater for young people with educational programs; and the sheep dog trials are always a big feature.”

Bendigo Showgrounds’ exhibition centres were purpose built for the annual gathering, which moved to the regional city in 2000, from its previous site at Flemington

Attracting the best sheep breeders from every state in Australia, the show includes competitions across all breeds and a Merino ram sale.

Visitors also pack the grounds for the Women of Wool luncheon, wool fashion parades, shearing expos, cooking demos, a festival of lamb and many dining options.

The Australian Sheep and Wool Show takes place at Bendigo Showgrounds, July 14-16.

Visit sheepshow.com for more information.