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DOZENS of breeds of sheep and hundreds of owners and spectators filled the pavilions as the Australian Sheep and Wool Show got under way on Friday.
From the long-haired Lincoln to the round and woolly Ryeland, sheep of all shapes and sizes competed for some of the world's most prestigious titles in sheep breeding.
While the owners showed off their prized sheep, the first day also included sheep dog trials, fashion parades and a Women of Wool luncheon.
More than 100 women involved in the sheep industry filed into the centre's function room to listen to guest speakers Lou Hanmer and Miranda Pereira.
Ms Hanmer has worked throughout Australia in the wool industry and, with a grounding in the latest sheep technology, became an industry leader from her Ninuenook merino stud near Wycheproof.
Bendigo is a good opportunity for us.
- Reg Sweeney, Border Leicester breeder, Dubbo
Ms Pereira spoke about the National Hands Network, centred on the Loddon Shire, which provided unemployed people the opportunity to create high quality knitted products.
Event manager Abbie Place said the Women of Wool event was a way to celebrate the role of women in agriculture.
"A lot of the women attending the luncheon are also exhibiting sheep at the show," she said.
"It's a way to recognise that the backbone of our country is agriculture, and to appreciate the role women play in the industry."
Sheep breeders spent the morning clipping the wool of their sheep and making sure they looked spick and span for their categories.
Reg Sweeney, who brought 14 Border Leicester sheep down from near Dubbo, said the 12 hour drive would be worthwhile.
"You get to meet up with a lot of other breeders," he said.
"There are probably about 200 Border Leicesters here so Bendigo is a good opportunity for us."
The fleece will be flying on the second day of the Australian Sheep and Wool Show as the sports shearing and wool handling competitions begin.
Judging of dozens of breeds would also continue into Saturday.