Wool ambassador spins yarns at Show dinner

She has travelled across all corners of the world, so it was no surprise when Australian Wool Innovation wool ambassador and TV personality Catriona Rowntree attended the Rabobank Katanning Merino Show and Gnowangerup Field Day for Merino Week 2013.

Rowntree was the guest speaker at dinner at the Pioneer Room of the Katanning Leisure Centre that signalled the close to merino week.

The TV personality put her hand up to help promote Australian Wool Innovation after she married a sheep farmer and developed a range of baby clothes made from local wool for Target.

As wool ambassador, Rowntree attends shows across the country.

“These shows are a great opportunity for producers to come together, to chat, to do business and to have a laugh,” she said.

Through attending shows across the country, Rowntree said she had noticed a few trends in the industry, such as a growing number of poll merinos at shows and how wool clothing was back in fashion.

Although she said there was still a lot to learn about the wool sector, Rowntree embraces the country lifestyle and wants farmers to know they are doing a great service to the country.

“Farmers operate a very successful business and wool shows reinforce what we are producing in Australia is something we are the best in the world in,” she said. “I also want to remind farmers that they have a lifestyle that is the envy of the world.”

“I know they can feel overwhelmed from their jobs but so many people would want to trade places with them.”