Agriculture
22 February, 2024
Breeders expanding field with fleece competition
FLEECES shorn from sheep with Loddon Valley Merino genetics will be eligible for a new competition when breeders stage their annual field day at Serpentine next week. Loddon Valley Stud Merino Breeders Association president Kevin Hynam said a fleece...
FLEECES shorn from sheep with Loddon Valley Merino genetics will be eligible for a new competition when breeders stage their annual field day at Serpentine next week.
Loddon Valley Stud Merino Breeders Association president Kevin Hynam said a fleece competition would be part of the event for the first time.
“The fleece competition is open to all our stud breeders and any of their ram clients.” Mr Hynam said.
“There will be sections for all classes of wool together with sections for fully 12-month-old fleeces and also spring-shorn fleeces.”
Mr Hynam said buyers continued to look for quality wool producing sheep.
“This has been highlighted with the summer we have just had ... breeding sheep to handle all the weather conditions that are thrown at them,” he said.
“The season has been good for most producers in our region. But unfortunately we have seen a dramatic fall in our returns for lamb and mutton.
“Hopefully we have reached the bottom of the cycle and things will improve going forward. Merino wool has maintained a sustainable price and remains the backbone of the merino breeding business.
“Our stud merino breeders continue to improve all traits needed to breed a sound and profitable merino, and our field day offers the opportunity to view a range of Merino types.
“These are bred selectively by each stud breeder to suit their individual goals and requirements.”
Mr Hynam said this year’s pen of three paddock-run ewes competition would honour breeder Ian Bennett who died last year and be judged by son Ian.
Last year’s inaugural ewe competition was won by Willera Merinos. The ram competition will again be the feature competition of the field day.
Mr Hynam said this year’s event would also have a larger trade display area.
One-farm displays will be at Terrick West Merinos, Kedleston Park, Willera and Kamarooka Park with 11 stud displays at Janiember Park.