The first day of the competition yesterday took in a 500 kilometre trek north of Hay to four properties in the Hillston and Mossgiel districts where 3300 maiden Merino ewes were scrutinised.

There was a strong crowd of more than 100 spectators who travelled from as far as Nyngan in the north and from Ararat, Victoria, to the south to to cast their eyes over close to 10,000 Merino ewes from 10 flocks in the world's largest ewe competition.

Judges for the event were Cam Munro from Egelabra Merino stud, Warren, and Ian Evans from Australian Wool Innovation (who stood in to replace Will Roberts, Victoria Downs, Queensland, who was flooded in) and associate judge is experienced sheep man Dale Bruns, Geelong, Victoria.

Hot topics discussed in the yards were shearing twice yearly, stocking rates and lambing percentages and the benefits of scanning.

Competition president, David Rankin, Tupra Station, Oxley, said with near record rainfalls for the last 12 month in most areas covered in the competition all the ewes displayed had excellent growth rates and finally show producers the full potential of their ewe flock after such a long dry period.

"It has been very pleasing for producers to be finally rewarded with good surplus stock prices and improved wool prices, which still have room for more improvement," Mr Rankin said.

Today the competition will see the competition head south of Hay towards Wanganella, where six flocks will be judged.

Of note, since the competition began in 1987 only seven of the 20 properties entered at the inaugural event remain under the same ownership today.

The competition will culminate with a presentation at Hay tonight where the winners will be announced.

Full competition results in an upcoming edition of The Land.