Riverina Merino 2008

The Riverina Merino line-up of outstanding sires again took their rightful place in the winner’s circle in the newly released 2001 drop Second Shearing test results from the Riverina Falkiner Research Station’s Central Test Sire Evaluation program.

The stringently controlled tests conducted on site at the Field Station at Conargo prove that the Riverina Merino studs are committed to continual and ongoing improvement and progressive genetic gain. Progeny of the sires in the program are evaluated at 10 months (10 month wool growth), 16 months (6 month wool growth) and finally at 28 months of age (12 month wool growth) as their final and full adult assessment.

The Riverina Stud Merino breeders are an industry group of 31 dedicated studs who have proven their commitment to progressive performance. Several of the group have put their sires against a long time medium wool National Link Sire. Riverina studs dominating the results include Wanganella, The Yanko, One Oak No. 2, One Oak Poll, Poll Boonoke and Mungadal.

In addition to testing against a National Link Sire, the tests provide a comparison amongst sires entered at other test sites, including the Macquarie, Monaro, Yardstick (WA), Struan (SA) and Turretfield (SA) sites. The carefully regulated tests cover the expected performance of progeny of each sire, the fleece weights measured as percentage in greasy and clean, average fibre diameter, body weight percentage and more. The tests also measure fleece rot scores and overall yield. Additionally, classers grade all progeny into streams based on their visual assessment of all traits. Test results show conformation and wool quality, as well as overall classification of progeny with Tops and Flock Plus grades meaning tops in the field.

Riverina Merino’s stud member Wanganella is leading the Second Shearing assessments showing the greatest fleece weights, a marked lowering of micron, and the percentage of progeny classed as Tops amongst the highest in the test group. Other Riverina Studs are performing strongly with Mungadal, One Oak No 2,One Oak Poll and Poll Boonoke achieving an average or above fleece weight result while their average micron ranges from 5 - 12% below that of the one time National Link Sire.

Wool producers who want to benefit from the Riverina Merino’s power in terms of genetic improvement as demonstrated by the 2001 drop First and Second stage results can see for themselves the fibre, frame and fertility winning trifecta traits at this year’s Riverina Stud Merino Field Day. To be held at Shear Outback, The Australian Shearers’ Hall of Fame in Hay, on September 12, the Field Day is also hosting an exciting industry forum on future land use and progressive management methods called Thinking Beyond the Boundary Fence.

Gates open at 9am with free entry and around two dozen extremely dedicated Riverina Merino breeders exhibiting the nation’s finest in the Merino industry. Visitors have a chance to win $500 just by walking through the gate.

Field Day inquiries may be addressed to the Executive Secretary, Wendy Spencer, on (02) 6959 1180 or email: wendy@riverinamerino.com.au