Hay Merino Breeders Incorporated held its inaugural Peppin-Shaw ewe forum this week, showcasing leading flocks in the western Riverina.
The forum is a biennial event which grew from a competition-focused affair and producers turned up on Tuesday and Wednesday this week to tour nine properties in the district.
Two full coaches led a convoy across the Old Man Plain where Merino sheep were yarded for inspection.
The forum was designed as a venue for interaction between producers, consultants and spectators, a departure from the previous Peppin-Shaw concept which had been competition focused.
The competition focused on wool production, but the increasing demand for meat has meant Merinos in the pastoral zone are now being for dual-purposes.
"The Merino is evolving with the focus now on wool and meat production, and we wanted to get interaction from all who attended, " committee member Graham Morphett, "Yamba", Booligal said.
Each grazier outlined their breeding and management systems and revived comment from the assessors Roger Polikinghorne, "Charinga", St Arnaud and Phil Hibberson, Fletcher International, Wodonga.
Committee president David Rankin, "Tupra", Hay said the assessors discussed the wool and meat merits of each flock and Mr Polkinghorne assessed the wool being grown, and Mr Hibberson assessed the carcase potential of the flock.
Chris Bowman "Nullabor Homestead" Hay said the forum was well attended and their was good interaction between assessors and visitors.
"The general discussion about industry concerns and directions was particularly useful," Mr Bowman said.
Speaking at the close of the two-day event, Mr Rankin said he was very pleased with the great interest shown in the forum.
"The input of the assessors was appreciated in the manner it was presented because we are all here to learn, increase our productivity and promote our industry," Mr Rankin said.
Judges said although drought is biting across the region, the superb condition of the sheep was a tribute to the dedication and skill of the breeders.
