With 56 Merino and Poll Merino studs on display during the annual SWS Stud Merino Breeders field day at Harden, it is the best opportunity for Merino producers to assess and discuss their specific breeding ambitions with stud producers, according to Steve Phillips, committee president.
“The Merino industry is experiencing great returns for those who have stuck with their flocks, and it is encouraging to see so many attend the field day,” Mr Phillips, co-principal of the Yarrawonga Merino stud, Harden.
“This field day is now established as the leading display of Merino sheep in NSW and we have a waiting list for studs wishing to exhibit their sheep here.”
Along with the Merino stud displays, there were many industry displays attracting a lot of interest, and woolen garments for sale.
A feature of the field day was the Stud Merino Breeders ram of the year, judged by Ben Simmons, Langdene Merino stud, Dunedoo, Tony Inder, Allendale Merinos, Wellington, and associate judge Sam Phillips, Yarrawonga Merinos, Harden.
Against a strong parade of young rams, the award was eventually given to Richard and Brad Chalker, Lach River Merinos, Cowra for their June 2016 drop Merino ram, LR 16-11.44.
With a micron measurement 17.8, and 99.6 per cent Comfort Factor, the March-shorn ram weighed 110 kilograms and will be retained for stud use, after attending sheep shows next year in Canberra and Sydney.
The son of a Pemcaw ram was considered to be an outstanding sire prospect by the judges.
“We have gone with the Lach River ram this year,” judge Ben Simmons said.
“He is up on his feet and carries his fleece down to his points and has a really good structure.”
The event was sponsored by Bromar Engineering, Grenfell, who presented a sheep feeder to the winner, and Riverina Wool Testers, Wagga Wagga who provided complimentary package of fleece tests to the Chalker family.
The other major award sponsored by Clive J. Anderson and Co, Grenfell and Jack Whitechurch, Wendouree Merino stud, Grenfell was the Wendouree Perpetual Shield for the Pen of Three Merino Hogget rams.
The Merino industry is experiencing great returns for those who have stuck with their flocks, and it is encouraging to see so many attend the field day
- Steve Phillips
This year the winner was the team from Tara Park Merinos, Boorowa bred by Guy Evans, selected from five teams paraded.
“We started with ten groups and sorted a few out in the sheds to save everyone bring them out,” judge Tony Inder said.
“We don’t have to give a third place but we’ve gone with the Demondrille team, our second placed team was Yarrawonga, and the first place was Tara Park.”
Mr Inder said the judging criteria for group of three depends on evenness, both as a team and individually.
“The Tara Park team were an incredibly even type, beautiful length of staple and very even wool type,” he said.
“Structurally, they were incredibly sound for a group.”
Mr Inder said the successful teams were truly representative of the type of Merino being bred today to satisfy current demands for both meat and quality wool.
“They are a very good example of where the industry is heading, and where it should be heading, in my opinion,” he said.
Guy Evans said his two leading rams in the group would continue to be shown at forthcoming shows, but the third ram will be offered for sale at his annual on-property ram sale.
