A string of tough seasons didn't stop western Queensland wool growers presenting an impressive range of fleeces at the Longreach Show over the weekend.
Jon Karger was named the competition's Grand Champion for a local flock fleece grown at Isla Downs near Yaraka.
Entering in the show was a chance to get valuable feedback on the type of fleeces Isla Downs has been aiming to produce, Mr Karger said.
"We've had some dry years and had to do some long-term feeding, as has everyone else," Mr Karger said.
"Last year we did well at the Isisford Show with our lamb fleeces. We are chasing a heavier, finer fleece and we've had some good feedback."
Isla Downs was currently running just shy of 5000 sheep as well as 200 Brangus cows, and has received a very welcome 350mm of rain this season, Mr Karger said.
Judge Ben Litchfield, who is the Cooma manager for Schute Bell Badgery Lumby, said Mr Karger's fleece was a standout among some tough competition.
"It's a great fleece as far as its style, its bloom and its character," he said.
"It's locally-grown as well, which is always good to see.
"There were about 160 entries this year. A lot of people have come through a very tough season. But the style and the presentation of the fleeces belied those conditions."
