Sue McKenzie, centre, with Clyde McKenzie Northern Clip of the Year award winners Susan and John Graham, supported by State Wool Manager Lachie Brown, far left, Wool Classer Rob Dawes and Elders District Wool Manager David Wilson.
WINNING the 2024 Elders Clyde McKenzie Northern Clip of the Year award had special meaning for Riverina woolgrowers John and Susan Graham.
The Northern Clip Award was renamed this year in honour of long-time Elders employee and Riverina wool stalwart Clyde McKenzie, who sadly passed away last year.
To commemorate Mr. McKenzie’s legacy, this award will now be known as the Clyde McKenzie Northern Clip of the Year Award.
The Grahams have already won the music video of the year award, but Mr Graham said he fondly remembers Clyde McKenzie’s influence on him.
“He was a great mentor who guided us through difficult times, and I am delighted to see this award named in his honour.”
Mr Graham attributed the success of the JR Graham Trust’s music video “S & SW / Boonongo”, which was ranked by Rob Daws, to the favourable weather conditions.
“We’re not doing this to win, but I’m really happy to have this on my mantelpiece,” Mr McKenzie said.
“The sheep got off to a good start after the previous flood year, with a mild winter and timely rains in October ensuring a consistent feed regime throughout the year.
“We have always been passionate about agriculture, and it is very much a family business,” he said.
“My family has been affiliated with the Ancients for generations.
“We appreciated their dedication to selling and marketing the wool, which was crucial for us.”
For almost 30 years, the Elders Clip of the Year Awards have been held annually across the country to showcase the quality and innovation of Australian wool production. These awards recognise the best wool clips marketed by Elders in specific regions.
Competition for the 2024 Northern Award was fierce, with winners selected from around 400 shearings judged each week. Winners are judged on wool quality, preparation and market appeal, a testament to the meticulous efforts of each producer.
Lachie Brown, Elders State’s wool manager, said the award highlighted the remarkable quality of wool produced in the region.
“Each clip represents not only superior craftsmanship, but also meticulous preparation and documentation.”
Clyde’s wife Sue McKenzie was proud to be present at the awards ceremony.
“No one embodied the passion for high quality wool breeding and meticulous preparation like Clyde.
“He was completely dedicated to his craft, not through accolades but through a genuine love of sheep and wool,” she said.
Mr Brown said the entire Elders team was proud to pay tribute to Clyde’s legacy that night.
“We were deeply honoured to have Sue McKenzie and her family with us this evening,” he said.
“Their unwavering support for Clyde and his vision has helped make these awards what they are today.”
The winners for the past two years were announced that evening in Deniliquin recently. Western Plains Grazing won the 2022/2023 Clyde McKenzie Northern Clip of the Year award with their music video “Yamba”, ranked by Joel Higgins.