Riverina Merino 2009

Last week’s Riverina Merino Ram Preview event at new venue Narrandera Race Club was a resounding success with 26 of the group’s studs exhibiting an exciting line up of champions showing the true versatility of today’s modern merino.

The prestigious, Elders Riverina Ram of the Year Award, which includes $2,000 in prize money, was won by Champion Ram, ‘Elvis’, from Hay’s Charles Mills (Uardry) Pty Ltd, Sims Uardry Stud. Sixteen rams from the exhibiting studs vied for the competition, judged by Western Australian Richard House in an extremely close decision. Highly recommended were the rams from Boonoke and One Oak Merino Studs.

The fibre, frame and fertility winning trifecta traits of the Riverina Merino demonstrate that today’s Merino not only grows world-renowned wool, but that the breed is also becoming a major force to be reckoned with in the meat industry. Knowledgeable stud managers, breeders and classers clearly demonstrated to visitors that the breed’s fertility, genetics, and on-going management is the key to capitalising on the big opportunities for Merino breeders and wool and meat producers.

The Riverina Merino Ram Preview event, a much anticipated annual event on the agricultural calendar, also supports a number of key industry awards and events, and several of these are in support of young people keen to make their mark in the industry.

The 2004 Landmark Pennefather Perpetual Trophy, for the Best Junior Judge, was hotly contested from various stud and industry contestants who were under 23 years of age. First prize was award to Josh Pumpa, Overseer of F.S. Falkiner studs Boonoke, Poll Boonoke and Wanganella. As part of his prize, Josh will experience a three-week educational tour of leading New Zealand Merino studs. Second prize in the event was awarded to Angus Munro of Uardry Stud, with third prize going to Michael Campbell of F. S. Falkiners’ Wanganella Stud who received cash prizes of $300 and $200 respectively.

Merial’s Sandy Robertson Young Riverina Ambassador Award, awarded each year in remembrance of young Riverina man Sandy Robertson, was won this year by Ben Chandler of the F.S. Falkiner’s Poll Boonoke Stud. As part of his prize, Ben will attend the 2005 Rural Leadership Programme at the Marcus Oldham College in July.

Visitor’s also had their chance to “cash” in at the Riverina Merino 2004 Ram Preview by entering in the Elanco $500 Cash Gate Prize by simply filling in a form on the day. Hundreds of entries were received and the lucky entry drawn was for Justin Campbell from Hay, NSW.

President David Taylor from Pooginook Merino Stud congratulated organisers, studs and exhibitors and expanded further on the new challenges and opportunities for both Merino breeders and commercial producers. “The Merino is the only true dual purpose animal in the world,” he said at the Ram Preview event. “Not only does the Riverina Merino grow some of the world’s best wool, we are becoming a major component of the meat industry. For the first time we are experiencing real value for our excess sheep. Competition from meat sheep is having a big impact on the way Merino breeders view their future breeding direction. Today’s Merino breeder lives in exciting times with a very bright and prosperous future and demand continues to outstrip supply.”

David went on to describe even greater benefits of the Riverina Merino breed. “Bred under tough and harsh conditions, the Riverina Merino underpins most excess sheep sales in the country,’ he said. “Buyers know they are buying big, tough, easy care, and most importantly - productive sheep.”

In addition to their work setting sale and show records, the Riverina Merino studs continue to improve the exceptional genetic gain of the breed through dedicated and tailored management programs that follow a twelve month calendar every year. The Riverina Merino associated studs are currently running their on-property Spring Ram Sale calendar which began on September 6 and continues throughout the rest of the month.

For Riverina Merino inquiries, contact (02) 6959 1180 or email: wendy@riverinamerino.com.au. There is also a free newsletter service and more information on this web site.