Ross Wells OAM honoured as 2025 Hay Merino Sheep Show Ambassador

2025 Hay Merino Sheep Show Ambassador Ross Wells (second from right) with Hay Show committee members Ian Lugsdin, David Davies and Chris Bowman, who presented the honour. Image: The Riverine Grazier / Margie McClelland.

By Chris Bowman

This year’s Hay Ambassador Award was presented to one of Hay Sheep Show’s longest supporters, Ross Wells who has exhibited sheep from the Willandra Stud, Jerilderie since the 1970s.

Ross has been heavily involved with Jerilderie, Hay and Deniliquin Sheep Shows along with Jerilderie Sheep Sale for many years.

He was the driving force within NSW Stud Merino Breeders and later Australian Woolgrowers Association, leading the campaign to change the Fixed Selling Schedule of the wool stockpile, which became the catalyst for the re-construction of the wool industry, namely the formation of a single grower-led body now known as AWI (Australian Wool Innovation).

Ross received an O.A.M (Order of Australia medal) in 1998 for ‘Services to the Australian Wool Industry’ and his tireless support of Cystic Fibrosis.

He is supported by his family who are also totally dedicated to the wool industry and Merino production.