General News
30 July, 2025
Sheepvention 2025 fundraising concert a highlight
HAMILTON’S iconic agricultural show has a varied and informative set of events, exhibitors and competitions lined up for this year, with the main addition being a Drought Relief Concert on the Sunday evening “to raise vital funds and rally support for the farming families doing it tough.”
With the region experiencing nearly two years of a severe shortfall of rain, organisers saw an opportunity to run a great night of “music, mateship and meaning” to support the community – and managed to snag Shannon Noll to headline the After Dark event.
The iconic Aussie voice behind ‘Drive’, ‘What About Me’, ‘Shine’, and ‘Learn to Fly’ will be at the Hamilton Exhibition & Conference Centre to deliver powerful performances and be part of a panel discussion around mental health and suicide prevention supported by Let’s Talk Foundation.
His life was changed forever in 2003 as the first runner-up of the initial Australian Idol series; before that he had grown up on the family farm in central NSW and then been a farm hand.
Note that discounted combo tickets are available for people who book both the concert and the expo online.
Another new event for Sheepvention will be the inaugural Women in Ag Lunch on Sunday, where attendees will enjoy a delicious two-course plated meal by The Speckled Frog and sip on a refreshing mocktail crafted by Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co on arrival.
Supported by Agriculture Victoria and Rural Women’s Day, guest speakers will share their insights on innovation, sheep breeding and the advances of a new breed of farmer in the Western Districts.
For the third year, Rabo Bank is proud to sponsor the Peter Schroder Breakfast Lecture.
It will be delivered on the Monday morning with the theme of ‘Rebuilding the Flock: Shaping Sheep for Tomorrow’s Consumer’.
A panel of market and consumer experts will explore how sheep farming can continue to evolve to meet changing demands and future opportunities.
Kids have also been given extra incentive for attending this year, with the introduction of “something new, fun and interactive” - the Ag Passport.
Designed to keep young would-be-farmers and the broader community engaged as they explore the event, the passport will encourage families to complete hands-on activities and learning stations across the showgrounds.
Collecting stamps along the way, participants will go in the draw to win a major prize from Telstra.
Of course, the show will continue to cover the many aspects of the industry it has done since it began in 1979, including the Virbac Sheep Show, CopRice Farm Dog Championships, ProWay Wool Handling and Shearing Competitions, and a wide range of exhibitors from agri-trade to home and garden.
The Sinclair Wilson Inventions competition is also back, highlighting new ideas from a range of industries.
Whether you're a seasoned producer, a keen innovator, or just looking for a great day out with the family – this year's Sheepvention has something for everyone.
Mark the dates – it's the biggest event on the region's rural calendar, and you won’t want to miss it!
Sheepvention 2025 will be held at the Hamilton Showgrounds on Sunday, August 3 and Monday, August 4.
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