Sheepvention president Simon Menzel said the 500 indoor and outdoor trade sites were again fully booked, with exhibitors embracing this year's theme of 'Managing change'.

"It is quite relevant to what is happening in the area – we have moved from a traditional wool growing area into forestry, cropping - which is becoming big - prime lambs, beef and dairying," he said.

"We have also seen climatic and economic change."

Mr Menzel said sheep show entries were up about 100 on the previous year with a number of new studs from the South East of SA.

"Merino entries, which were declining, are also making a comeback - it might be because those which are left in the industry are really passionate about it," he said.

The 2009 feature breed is the Hampshire Down.

Sheepvention continues to host one of Australia's largest multi-vendor, indoor Merino ram sales. The 2008 event produced a $19,000 top and an 89 per cent clearance with 341 rams averaging $1893.

Ram breeders will be hoping to mirror last year's results with a similar sized catalogue on offer.

The well-supported ewe weaner competition has added a dual-purpose class, open to Merinos and other breeds.

Another new initiative is the Wool Shear event which aims to highlight training opportunities to entice young people into shearing and wool handling.

Some of the best shearers from Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and a team of New Zealand ex-pats will compete in the teams event on Monday, and on Tuesday local shearers and wool handlers will demonstrate a working shed for a few hours.

The flavours of western Victoria will be showcased in the new 'Taste of the Great South West' food and wine marquee with celebrity chefs Lyndy Milan and Riccardo Momesso conducting cooking demonstrations on both days.

Newly-elected Victorian Farmers Federation president Andrew Broad will officially open Sheepvention on the Monday and the following morning Australian Wool Innovation chief executive Brenda McGahan and 2009 Victorian Rural Woman of the Year and dairyfarmer Roma Britnell will be guest speakers at the breakfast.

A series of seminars will again be held, covering from animal health to gardening and finance, along with four fashion parades each day.

* Details: www.sheepvention.com