General News
18 February, 2023
New field day prize
LODDON Valley Merino studs have a new competition to enter when they stage Victoria’s first major field day of the year at Serpentine next week. Competition for the best pen of three paddock run ewe lambs will honour Doug Todd of Ninuenook Stud...
LODDON Valley Merino studs have a new competition to enter when they stage Victoria’s first major field day of the year at Serpentine next week.
Competition for the best pen of three paddock run ewe lambs will honour Doug Todd of Ninuenook Stud, Jeruk, who passed away last year aged 91.
Doug had first registered the Ninuenook Merino Stud, on the Avoca River flood plain between Boort and Wycheproof in 1969.
The new prize will be judged by Elizabeth Todd and Doug’s daughter Lou Hanmer.
Ninuenook stud has been part of the Loddon Valley field day since it was first held in 1981.
Loddon Valley studs will also vie for the pen of three rams that was last year won by Erroll Hay of Kamarooka Park stud.
Field day president Kevin Hynam said: “With 2022 being a challenging year due to flooding and an extremely wet spring, it has highlighted the need for sheep with good constitution, correct sound feet and the need for high quality white weather proof wool.
“Our field day offers the opportunity to view a range of merino types bred selectively by each stud breeder to suit their goals and environments.
“Although 2023 has shown a correction in the lamb and mutton markets, Merino wool prices have increased closer to a sustainable level.”
The field day at Serpentine Recreation Reserve will see 11 studs displaying their sheep while there will be on-property displays at Terrick West, Kamarooka Park, Kedleston Park and Willera studs.
Kedleston Park, the most successful exhibitor in the history of the pen of three ram competition, has returned to an on-property display after last year exhibiting at Serpentine.
Trade displays will also be open at Serpentine throughout the day with competition winniners announced late afternoon.