Riverina Merino 2008

Riverina Merino will continue to build on their highly successful ongoing event-marketing program over the next twelve months with more stud-stock and information displays at Hay’s Merino Sheep Show on June 2, 2007 and Bendigo’s Australian Sheep and Wool Show from 20 – 23 July. Riverina Merino’s fibre, frame and fertility winning trifecta product has been showcased at many high profile events during the last year, opening up greater interstate and global opportunities for member studs and their customers.

The annual Elders Riverina Ram of the Year award, which showcases the very best ram from each of the member studs, will be judged and presented at the Hay Merino Sheep Show.

The Riverina Merino member studs work hard all year improving genetics, bloodlines and new marketing opportunities, as well as building on their reliable reputation as providers of well-bred, hardy and diverse breeding stock for wool, meat and sheep breeding enterprises.

Group President David Taylor says while the event program continues to offer new opportunities, current drought conditions are proving that the hardy Riverina Merino is truly the breed to choose during tough times and this is the most rewarding part of showing the breeding stock to greater numbers of show visitors. “We know producers both big and small are doing it hard and we can demonstrate how rugged and versatile the Riverina Merino is and how it is the breed who will get you through,” he says. “With our studs, stock and staff on site at Hay and Bendigo, we will show how we can help work with you to meet targets in wool and meat.”

Mr Taylor also welcomes the opportunity the events are giving show visitors to make comparisons between the Riverina Merino and other breeds. “Lining up our breeding stock at Hay and Bendigo offers a great chance for people who are really interested in sheep breeding to assess our superior genetics at a forum where there is a chance to compare,” he says.

In 2007, Riverina Merino continues their long tradition of supporting talented young industry members with Landmark’s Pennefather Perpetual Trophy for the Best Junior Judge and Merial’s Noel Reid Young Riverina Ambassador awards. Landmark’s Junior Judge award offers an all-expenses paid educational trip to New Zealand Merino Studs as the major prize. The winner of Merial’s Young Riverina Ambassador award secures a place on Marcus Oldham’s Rural Leadership program. Entering the awards also offers young people valuable experience in many fields including livestock judging, public speaking, planning, and presentation.

Entry forms for the awards can be obtained by contacting Riverina Merino on (02) 6959 1180.

Riverina Merino has a local Spring Ram Sale Calendar beginning in September. There is also a free annual booklet and newsletter and a website displaying the latest in show and sale results.