Approximately 500 people and around 600 rams were at Marnoo on Friday for the inaugural Marnoo Merino Victorian State Merino Field Day.
Twenty-six studs from across Victoria were represented as well as a large group of industry trade displays.
Opening the field day, Victorian Stud Merino Sheep Breeders Association president Peter Rogers said the industry remained in a position of strength with mutton and Merino wether lambs at high levels.
"The Merino is a true all-purpose animal, wool and carcase," he said.
"But we need more Merino ewes and the drought has had an impact.
"The forecast was for a 5 per cent drop in wool production in the next 12 months to 285 million kilograms."
Mr Rogers said stud registrations in Victoria had risen for the first time in many years.
Organising committee member Trent Carter said the event had been a huge success and the momentum for next year was already growing.
He said there were six studs that had expressed a desire to attend in 2020 as well as three new trade sponsors.
"This time of year has fitted in really well," Mr Carter said.
"To have around 600 rams on display was a great achievement.
"This event has a commercial focus for local and Victorian producers to have a 'casual' inspection of rams."
The inaugural Victorian March shorn hogget ram competition saw a lineup of rams judged by Nick Wadlow, Old Ashrose, South Australia, and Kelvin Pendergast, Pendarra.
Taking the broad ribbon was a ram from the Glendonald Merino stud, Nhill, presented by Robert Harding.
