Riverina Merino 2008

Merino breeders will have a rare chance to hear about the on-farm impacts of the mulesing debate, sheep benchmarking and genomics, and what their customers want, at a one-off information day at Conargo in southern NSW on August 8.

The day, at Conargo on Friday August 8, is an initiative of Riverina Merino aimed at helping commercial sheep breeders unravel issues including mulesing, benchmarking and genetics work.

The day, held in tandem with Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), will be one of the few major sheep information events held in the heart of one of Australia’s major Merino seed stock regions.

AWI speakers will unravel the mysteries of the mulesing debate and what it means to sheep producers, with retailer representatives on hand to tell woolgrowers what their customers are telling them.

MLA will outline the More Money From Sheep program, which is about giving producers the information they need to help make the most of their sheep enterprise, with growers also getting access to information to make sense of sheep genomics and benchmarking.

Riverina Merino studs will also have a small sample of their genetics on display.

Riverina Merino president Richard Cannon said the day aimed to give producers the information to really get a feel for what the industry’s most topical issues meant to them and their management, and how they could use that information on-farm.

"This is one of the few times sheep breeders in this region have had the chance to attend a major information session like this in this key production source," he said. "As stud breeders we feel this is really important information to help commercial producers get access to, which is why we are holding the day."

"It means farmers will be able to hear what retailers think about these issues, what their customers are saying and what it means to us as commercial sheep producers." "It’s a great chance to get together with other growers and find out more about what the issues of today mean for managing a commercial flock, with access to the genetics where it all starts."

"Even with the Australian dollar quite high, wool is still profitable and we really believe in sheep and wool and their profitability," Mr Cannon said. “Our committee really wants to help our clients and anyone committed to quality sheep production, get the information they need to get the best use from their genetics.

“The Riverina is a very significant Merino production area. People have come for years from through southern Australia attracted to the large lines of good doing, good quality sheep which can be sourced from this area. Riverina genetics have made their way into a big section of the southern Australian sheep flock."

The day will also feature Riverina Merino’s flagship events, the prestigious Elders Riverina Ram of the Year, the Noel Reid Award for a young industry member and the Landmark Pennefather junior judging award.