Riverina Merino 2008

Around thirty Riverina Merino studs are gearing up for the much anticipated September 10 2004 Ram Preview Event. This year’s event is to be held at Narrandera Race Club, with the new venue and central location offering visitors a range of great facilities and a chance to see the Riverina Merino’s premium breeding stock and other associated industry exhibitors at one central location. This spring, commercial clients of the Riverina Studs look set to receive massive returns for their surplus sheep such as classed out young ewes and CFA ewes as a result of the extremely buoyant fat lamb market. Agents are now predicting that Merino ewes could fetch prices well in excess of $150 this season, due to the shortage of ewes around.

On hand at the 2004 Ram Preview will be stud managers and wool classers to show commercial wool growers, meat producers and breeders why there is money in the Riverina Merino and its winning trifecta traits, - fibre, frame and fertility. Riverina bloodlines, with their well-earned reputation for big-frame size and fertility record, are always a first choice for buyers of replacement ewes.

The 2004 Ram Preview event also showcases a number of industry events judged on the day, from Merial’s Sandy Robertson Young Riverina Ambassador Award with its Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program prize, to the coveted Landmark Pennefather Perpetual Trophy for the Best Junior Judge with an all expenses paid tour of leading New Zealand Merino Studs. In the afternoon, the best of the Riverina Merino rams line-up to vie for the prestigious Elders Riverina Ram of the Year.

In addition to their work and dedication setting sale and show records, the Riverina Merino studs work all year to improve the strong genetic gain of the breed. President David Taylor is enthusiastic about how much more commercial growers can learn about the Riverina Merino breed by attending the 2004 Ram Preview event. “As well as seeing the studs line up their supreme breeding stock and learning first hand about our genetics, the event also offers the opportunity to view the best of the rams from each stud to be offered during the on-property Spring Ram Sales which begin on September 6 and continue throughout the rest of the month”, he says.

Entry to the 2004 September 10 Ram Preview Event is free and visitors have a chance to win the Elanco $500 cash prize just by walking through the gate.

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.