A positive outlook for spring and the solid performance of the sheepmeat and wool markets is setting a great scene for this year’s Marnoo Merino Field Day.
Ten dynamic studs will join together next Thursday, September 22, to showcase more than 800 sale rams in preparation for their respective on-property sales.
Group president Tim Polkinghorne said the day provided a great opportunity for people to visit the studs, which while all had a commitment to quality and progressing the productivity of their sheep, had slightly different breeding objectives and strengths.
Banavie Merino and Poll Merino stud principal said it was a great chance for people in central west Victoria and further afield to “see what’s being done closer to home” with the displays within an about 15 kilometre radius.
“Genetics from this region are going nation-wide and even internationally,” he said.
He pointed to the sale of a $60,000 ram from one of the group members last year to a Western Australian stud.
“And it’s a testament to the studs that the group’s ram sale clearance rate last year was close to 100 per cent despite the poor season.”
The Marnoo Merinos group will again raffle off a $1000 voucher to spend on a ram at any participating stud.
At a lunchtime session at Banavie stud, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) representatives will shed light on the latest happening in the industry.
Sheep industry specialist Stuart Hodgson will speak to the Merino, its strengths and give an update on wool industry activities.
Fellow AWI team member Wendy Ridgley has organised a fashion parade that will show growers new products that are being made with their wool and how the natural fibre is being promoted.
“Generally, I’m feeling that commercial woolgrowers had very tough seasons in 2014 and 2015, but this year is looking much more positive with a good season so far,” Mr Polkinghorne said.
“Mear prices are still positive and wool prices have been very, very positive. If you look over a 20 year period, the wool market is very, very positive.
“I think it’s important for people to be thinking about buying rams to take them ahead with their core flock and keep their production to a maximum, including for wool, lambs and meat.”
The Marnoo Merino studs’ on-property sales will start today (Thursday, September 15) with Wallaloo Park and Sohnic will follow tomorrow.
Old Dundee, new field day participant Forest Springs, Charinga, Banavie, Gowandale, Oakbank, Belbourie and Glendemar will hold their sales in the coming weeks.