Wether trials gaining breeder interest

And it is generating a desire to learn more about wool growers' flocks from the flock breeder and the parent studs supplying genetics.

Interest in wether trials is increasing, says Brett Douglas, co-ordinator of the Schute Bell/ANFD Merino Wether Trial, who addressed the Australian National Field Days where trial wethers and their recently shorn fleeces were on public display.

"We are already getting inquiries from some who have been in previous trials as well as breeders who want to join in for the first time, Mr Douglas said.

The wether trial committee is already seeking expressions of interest from studs and flocks for the next trial beginning in August, 2015.

"We are starting now to give breeders plenty of time to think about trialling their wethers and also time to prepare for an August start next year," Mr Douglas said.

Some SRS (soft rolling skin) breeders have shown interest and have been seeking information, which, says Mr Douglas, would be a good mix and spread of types.

"To include SRS flocks we would organise four shearings during the three-year trial, one every nine months," he said.

Traditional shearings of 12 months would continue the same every August.

"With inquiries from some flocks that have done well in past trials and wanting to return, plus flock owners who have not trialled before, I can see a big spread of types and bloodlines lining up for the 2015 to 2018 trial," Mr Douglas said.

"I'd say those wool growers would be starting to look at selecting their wethers from May to June next year."

All wethers would be shorn in an even-up shearing in August, then the nine-month shearings the following May, February, November and Aug- ust while traditional shearing every 12 months would be conducted each August up to the trialled end in 2018.