Glenelg Regional Merino Field Day Group’s first sheep classing field day has been heralded as a success, with attendance well above expectations.
Group member Warren Russell, Melrose Fine Wool Merinos, Nurrabiel, said between 60 and 70 people, mostly commercial sheep producers, attended the event at Mount Yulong stud, Telangatuk East.
“There were a lot of young people and it was really positive to have that many people attend a Merino-focused day who were all so enthusiastic about breeding Merinos,” Mr Russell said.
Australian Wool Innovations (AWI) sheep industry specialist Stuart Hodgson presented the sheep classing workshop, which began with a theory session and than had the participants break up into smaller groups to put those learnings into practice on some unclassed weaner ewes provided by Peter Rogers, Mount Yulong.
Mr Hodgson was the guest speaker at last year’s Glenelg Regional Merino Field Day and Mr Russell said it was terrific to have been able to take him up on the offer to host an event to share more of his knowledge.
There were also sale rams on display and the attendees discussed ram selection.
Mr Russell said the participants were encouraged to identify the most productive sheep and those of the type for which the are aiming.
He said most participants came from within 100 kilometres of the host stud and it was terrific to get people from around Hamilton, Horsham, Edenhope and surrounds.
Mr Russell said following the success, the group would consider holding a similar event in a couple of years’ time.
He said it was encouraging to also get interest from Merinos breeders further afield.
“When we put it up on Facebook and advertised it, we had people contact us from across Australia to see how they could run similar days.
“Initially we thought it would be successful to get 20 people, so we were surprised to get between 60 and 70.”
