Riverina Merino 2008

Riverina Merino members are gearing up to introduce their fibre, frame and fertility winning-trifecta product to a greater global and interstate audience with ongoing promotional and marketing attendances at a number of high-profile events throughout 2006.

The first will be at Western Australia’s Katanning Show, Sale and Expo and AWI 7th World Merino Conference in Perth from July 10 – 12. As well as a comprehensive and informational new-media Riverina Merino feature, several member studs will have show stock and staff on site at the world-class events.

President David Taylor, who will attend the Katanning event, is whole-heartedly committed to the new opportunities. “Show and Merino Conference visitors will be able to see first hand how our members work alongside producers to identify strategic business targets in wool, breeding, sales and meat, and several of our Riverina Stud Managers will be on site to discuss opportunities within diverse operations of all sizes.”

The new marketing drive will continue throughout the show and sale season at Bendigo’s Australian Sheep and Wool Show and Export Ram Sale from July 21-24, the Hamilton Sheepvention and Ram Sale on August 7 and 8, and Dubbo’s National Merino Sheep Show and Export Ram Sale from August 29 to 31.

In September and October, Riverina Merino’s annual Spring Ram Sale Calendar on-site events will demonstrate the very best of the breed’s world-class breeding stock and ongoing 2006 promotions will reflect the group’s commitment to both marketing and improved bloodlines. “New techniques have dramatically improved both productivity and profitability in the modern Merino landscape,“ explains David Taylor. “Whether attending our event sites around the country or at our Riverina Spring Ram Sales, visitors will be able to learn first hand how Riverina Merinos are a top all-round business investment that will continue to work in the long-term along diverse business lines.”

With wool prices rising and breeding stock in great demand, Riverina Merino continues to raise the bar in the sale ring with last year’s results showing excellent demand from re-stockers and prime lamb breeders for the large lines of ewes produced annually. With downturns in fine and superfine wools there has been a natural progression to medium wool and the benefits of big-framed Riverina Merinos producing heavy wool cuts.

Riverina Merino’s ongoing support for young people continues throughout 2006 with Award presentations planned for Hay’s Annual Merino Sheep Show on June 3. Landmarks’ Pennefather Perpetual Trophy is a prestigious award for upcoming junior judges offering a three-week all–expenses paid trip to New Zealand. Merial’s Noel Reid Young Riverina Ambassador Award honours the late community stalwart Noel Reid OAM as well as providing new opportunities for a talented and ambitious young person from the local sheep and wool industry,

The annual prestigious Elders Riverina Ram of the Year will also be judged and awarded at the Hay Merino Sheep Show.