After winning the inaugural competition last year and taking out the 2017 Boorowa Flock Ewe, Mr Hurley and his Demondrille-blood maiden ewes were named champions at a presentation on Saturday night at Crookwell RSL Club. 

Mr Hurley said there was no secret to his success but credited hard work and the quality of livestock at Demondrille Stud for his win. 

“I don’t think there’s any secret,” he said. ​

“No shortcuts, I’d say good stock with no shortcuts.

​”Obviously I’m endorsing Demondrille Stud so quality genetics and I just apply best practice, that’s all.” 

Judges for this year’s competition, Chris Clonan, Alfoxton stud, Armidale, Paul Walton, Wurrook stud, Rokewood, Victoria, and associate judge, Georgia Walters, formerly of Middle View Merino stud, Dalgety, all agreed the “Killanear” flock were a well-classed productive flock of ewes.

“They have good wool density and nourishment,” Mr Clonan said.

“They are really good barrelled ewes, I expect them to join well.”

For winning the STFEC, Mt Hurley received testing to the value of $500 from Southern Tablelands Fibre Testing, $1000 from ANZ bank and a trophy. 

He said he enjoys entering the competition each year. 

“I initially entered because I had a shoulder injury and I just won the competition and we just went from there,” he said. 

“I think it’s well-contested.”

He said he wouldn’t have won without the support of the team behind his efforts. 

“I’m grateful for the people behind me, that includes Andrew and Patrick Davis, they are the principals of Demondrille Stud and also Bert McMahon, who is someone who I value his help.” 

"Killanear" sheep, with a fleece line fibre diametre of 18.4-micron, are shorn in June.