The demise in the value of crossbred wool and the influx of specialist meat breeds has reduced its relevance but a group of southern farmers hopes to rekindle memories with a reunion of breeders and stud stock agents.
Retired ram breeder Henry McFadzien said in the late 1980s and early 1990s the Gore Romney stud ram fair attracted 300 rams and at 1992 fair a New Zealand record price of $45,000.
That ram, Edenbank 105-91, was bred by William Mitchell from Wyndham and sold to Paki-iti Farms, Manawatu.
McFadzien said in the 1980s and early 1990s the sale pavilion was packed with vendors and buyers and together the Romney stud and flock fairs came close to grossing $1m.
The annual Gore sale began in 1902 as an all-breeds flock fair that by 1920 attracted up to 600 rams.
Responding to the explosion of sheep numbers, in 1931 the first stud ram fair was hosted at Gore and in 1958 it became the primary southern venue for Romney rams.
By the mid-1990s numbers started falling away as wool prices fell and commercial breeding decisions had different drivers.
A reunion organiser Ken Bain hopes to attract up to 150 people to the event, which includes a farm tour and dinner at which former All Black captain and Romney breeder Sir Brian Lochore would speak.
It is in Gore on August 8.
Those interested in attending should contact Nola Nevill at nolanevill@gmail.com
