Lumberjacks, alpacas and sheep entertain Burnie agricultural show

Lumberjacks from around the world have converged on Burnie to entertain attendees at the first agricultural show of the season.

Showgoers are enjoying sun, showbags and rides on day one of the Burnie Show.

For the first time in 40 years, sheep will be exhibited, while alpaca breeders from all over the state have entered their animals in the Therese Badcock memorial championship.

Leanne Badcock said she was proud to help run the competition named in honour of her late mother.

"I feel honoured, actually, to be taking over Mum's job," she said.

There was also a spectacular display of log rolling and pole climbing from international lumberjacks.

The men from New Zealand and Canada showed off traditional lumberjack skills, including speed-climbing up poles and balancing on rolling logs in water.

Lumberjack Ben Lefler said it took a long time to master the skills.

"You've got to commit yourself. It's not something you just kind of grab a rope and start climbing up a 50-foot pole or the local power pole," he said.

"Even the log rolling, it's a lot of time on the log, in the water getting wet.

"You know its probably one of the toughest balance sports I've ever tried."

Martin Agatyn from the Agricultural and Pastoral Society said there would also be a sheep competition at the show for the first time in nearly 40 years.

"That's been in response to requests from north-west breeders to actually have sheep at the show," he said.

"Up until recently, the first opportunity they had to show their sheep was at the Launceston, so this is a little bit closer to home, and it's going to be on a small scale to start off with.

"But you've got to start somewhere, and this will grow over the years."

Organisers are expecting up to 6,000 people to pass through the gates.