Newly-elected Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders president Geoff Davidson from Keith says his priority will be ensuring the organisation puts first the big issues impacting all Merino breeders.
The Moorundie stud principal - who has succeeded Max Wilson from Qld - says he "wants to support the industry which has been so good to him", but he knows his presidency comes with its challenges.
In 2022, the NSW Stud Merino Breeders Association and Stud Merino Breeders Association of WA did not renew their annual membership of AASMB.
"We no longer represent all stud Merino breeders and there needs to be a body that does this," Mr Davidson said.
"In consultation with all interested parties, we will identify the areas of national common interest and advocate for Australian Merinos.
"The industry has a few obstacles at the moment so we all need to be working together to find ways to lift our industry and improve profitability for Merino breeders."
Mr Davidson said says there are issues affecting all producers such as the 'right to farm', competition from other fibres, the biosecurity levy and the live sheep export ban by sea from May 2028 where ASMBA needs to be strong in advocacy and education.
"We need one national voice to represent our members and assist our peak bodies and government in setting policy," he said.
However, Mr Davidson wants to leave "grass roots issues" with the state organisations and have marketing campaigns driven by the states.
One of the critical roles of the ASMBA according to Mr Davidson is its seat on the Woolgrower Industry Consultation Panel making recommendations to Australian Wool Innovation's board on key research, development and marketing priorities, receiving progress reports, and having input to the 2030 direction.
"AWI does some terrific work in marketing and has been defending the Product Environmental Footprint of wool under proposed EU legislation but people are not necessarily understanding the job they are doing," he said.
"We need to let woolgrowers know how essential that AWI is to our profitability. Their support for shearer and wool handler training is producing some outstanding graduates and is a real industry positive."
Mr Davidson says COVID has had a big impact on the wool market and it still hasn't fully recovered.
"Wool is an elite fibre, so we need to continue to market and develop our product," he said.
He says AASMB will also continue to back the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Program to identify superior genetics with more than 100 sires being tested at nine sites in 2024.
"Sheep that are cutting well and producing lambs still produce very good gross margins, so I do see a bright future for Merino sheep," he said.
