PROMINENT Merino stud man Robert Ashby has become the leading voice among Merino breeders of 12 of the world’s leading Merino producing countries as the new president of the World Federation of Merino Breeders.
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Mr Ashby has held several presidencies, including the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders and South Australia Stud Merino Sheepbreeders Association, South Austalian Farmers Federation, and was president of the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders, from 1994-1996.
He replaces Glen Keamy whose eight-year tenure coincided with the Australian sheep flock falling to a record low of 72 million head, a level not seen since 1916.
Under Mr Keamy, the WMF worked hard to promote the dual wool and meat characteristics of the Merino sheep breed following the introduction of the organisation in 1986.
But sensitivity- albeit muted – remains over issues such as working as a united global voice for the good of the Merino industry.
The new president pointed out that it was now vital to not only increase attendance at each of its four-yearly interval conferences but ensure there was constant transference of ideas, information and technology between the member breeders.
In accepting his position Mr Ashby said, “I will work to continue to promote the Merino worldwide for the breed’s versatility and profitability as a wool and meat producer and also work in cooperation with other organisations to reinvigorate and restore wool to a position as the preferred apparel fibre".
