As March approaches each year, so does one of the biggest days on the Wheatbelt calendar - Wagin Woolorama. Steeped in a rich, local history, and on the back of Wagin’s strong wool industry, Woolorama has always been a popular agricultural event, showcasing the best Wagin and surrounds has to offer. This year, the event is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The event came into being in 1972 and was the brainchild of Malcolm Edwards from the Wagin Agricultural Society. In those days the popular Dowerin Field Days was mainly a machinery demonstration in a paddock and Malcolm realised that Wagin needed its own feature event focussing on its signature strength – the Merino and wool industry.
As unique as the giant ram that welcomes visitors arriving in town, is the name ‘Woolorama’. This originated from a ‘name suggestion’ competition for local school children. Peter Jenkin and Mark English (then aged 9 and 10) came up with Woolorama, winning $5.00 for their efforts, and the Wagin Agricultural Show became Wagin Woolorama.
In true community spirit that brings people together, Elders Wool Manager, Tex Scrutton, was convinced by a very passionate Malcolm Edwards to transport a core sampling line to Woolorama. This introduced the concept of pre-sale wool testing to wool growers and created a huge amount of interest, becoming a centre point of the event.
Whilst spring is the typical time of year for agricultural shows, the committee eventually agreed to give Woolorama its own identity on the calendar, and avoid clashes with several other spring agricultural shows in the district. In 1974, Woolorama was officially moved to its place in autumn, with the committee focussed on creating a strong event on the regional agricultural show circuit.
In 1975, the first ever autumn Wagin Woolorama was very well received. It attracted great crowds and brought many wool industry innovations to the forefront. Since then, it has grown from strength to strength to become one of the highlight events of the year for both locals and those from further afield.
Milne Feeds have been a major sponsor of Woolorama for decades, as it embodies our passion for excellence in the sheep industry and regional community spirit. Milne is focussed on supplying high quality, cutting-edge pellets for WA’s strong sheep and wool industries. This year Milne is a Platinum Sponsor and thank the committee for the opportunity to be involved in sponsoring various judging categories.
Milne Feeds would like to congratulate all involved on their commitment and ongoing passion, for both the industry and this wonderful event, that will now celebrate its 50th year. Please call through exhibit 258 and see Wayne Manoni and Brett Blanchett at this year’s 50th anniversary Wagin Woolorama.
“Happy Birthday Wagin Woolorama” from all the team at Milne Feeds!
