When lamb prices took a dive last year, it was the wool that got many Merino producers over the line.
This has meant many producers are looking to bring more Merino genetics into their flock. So the Elders SA Stud Merino Expo could not come at a better time.
The popular expo, which has been running for more than a century, brings together leading South Australian Merino and Poll Merino breeders.
For chairperson George Millington, the expo gives an unique opportunity for producers to visit studs and discover more about these truly dual-purpose sheep.
This year the event has a change of day, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, February 28 and 29.
"We've made it earlier, but the feedback from people coming and exhibitors was that they didn't want a Thursday and Friday - they wanted a Wednesday and Thursday," he said.
"It gives those travelling from interstate the time to get home and play sport on the weekend. We've placed it to attract as many interstate people as we can."
Ten studs will be opening their gates on the Wednesday for producers to see Merinos in their natural environment, as well as seeing upcoming younger rams.
The following day, about 30 studs will be on display at the Burra Oval for an awesome centralised display.
There will also be two judging events on the day.
"The Ram of the Year, which will be awarded a $10,000 cash prize provided by Elders, and the best pair. The judge will be Wayne Button from WA."
Mr Millington said the dinner on Wednesday night was a real highlight.
"The dinner is sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation. AWI general manager John Roberts will be there and speak to the growers, who are all levy payers, what their money is being invested in and AWI's plan for the future. It's a good chance to ask him questions," he said.
"He may also talk about the new wool traceability hub, which is being launched next month."
Producers will also be treated to the launch of Emily Riggs' beautiful new collection from knitwear label Iris and Wool.
Over the past six months and what we've seen in sheep prices, the Merino has really proved its worth in being a dual-purpose animal. The wool has got a lot of producers through, so other producers may be starting to look at Merinos.
- George Millingham
"She will also be running a fashion parade, which was really popular last year," he said. "Commercial growers are very welcome. It's not just a stud event - commercial growers can come and listen to John and enjoy the fashion parade.
"All growers are in the apparel industry. They are growing a fibre that ends up in apparel, and it's a great opportunity for them to see the full supply chain and where their product ends up."
Mr Millington said the event was an awesome chance for producers to see the exceptional Merinos South Australian studs had on offer.
"In northern SA, in both the north-east and north-west, as well as around Broken Hill, NSW, area have had some very good rain in the last six months, and it is a great opportunity for those producers who now have the feed to come and have a look at South Australian Merino genetics," he said.
"It's a good opportunity for commercial producers all across SA. Over the past six months and what we've seen in sheep prices, the Merino has really proved its worth in being a dual-purpose animal. The wool has got a lot of producers through, so other producers may be starting to look at Merinos. This is a great opportunity to see a lot of Merinos in one place."
He said the time of year for the field day was ideal.
"While farmers are generally interested in looking at genetics in spring when they are buying, everyone is so busy with hay and everything else," he said.
"But this is a really good time of year because the season hasn't started yet, and farmers normally do have a bit of spare time."
