A mob of healthy looking lambs were on display at the Manionoto Fat Lamb Competition this week.

Covid-19 regulations meant no spectators were allowed on site, but the lambs were still in good condition when the event returned to the district yesterday.

The annual competition, convened by Stuart Paterson and Barry Smith from the Maniototo Lions Club, usually coincides with the Maniototo A & P Show.

However, due to Covid-19 red settings the 2022 A & P show was cancelled earlier this year.

Fat lamb convener Stuart Paterson

"It's awkward this year as its usually run with the A & P show, and we normally have lots of people here watching," Stuart said.

Farmers from the Maniototo donate their chunky lambs to the event and they are then weighed, recorded and put on the truck.

This year Stuart said they were expecting about 70 lambs to be entered.

There are three classes in the competition - fine wool, strong wool and terminal sire.

Farmers are able to enter three lambs in those sections.

Silver Fern Farms gave a per kilo price for the lambs, which is agreed prior to the official lamb weigh in.

"We've got some substantial looking donations and good looking lambs coming in."

The bulk of the money raised goes to the Maniototo Lions Health fund and then proceeds are allocated to health related groups providing crucial services in the community.

Last year recipients were St Johns Ambulance and the rescue helicopters.

"We usually raise around seven or eight thousand dollars through the competition."

Stuart said the farmers support of the cause was very much appreciated

Winners of the 2022 competition were:

Fine wool section - John Girvan 

Long wool section - Jason Smith

Terminal section - Simon Paterson

A&P show - Simon Paterson

Overall winner -Simon Paterson