Agriculture
21 July, 2026
Tradition blends data at sheep classing day
STUD, commercial and unclassed ewes went before the eyes of Merino breeders and farmers at Serpentine on Friday.
STUD, commercial and unclassed ewes went before the eyes of Merino breeders and farmers at Serpentine on Friday.
Finding the perfect animal was not the aim when they looked at the sheep penned at Willera Merinos.
“There isn’t a perfect sheep but if we are investing in genetics, then we need the maternal side right as well,” said stud manager Simon Coutts.
“It’s about making sure you have sheep that fit your enterprise and breeding objective and the ewes are just as important in meeting those objectives.”
Simon said Friday’s Modern Breeder Toolbox field day had been a hands-on classing workshop.
“I had the idea 12 months ago after we ran a feedlot day ... I was thinking about the future of Merino classers,” he said.
“Some of the older classers - those who come and spend one or two days on a property each year - are retiring.
“Then there are those in the next generation who are using data, the science, to class their sheep.
“There are sceptics on both sides and I wanted to break down those barriers between the two methods, We wanted to show there is a place for both.”
Australian Wool Innovation’s Holly Byrne said: “When classing and selecting sheep it can become a bit of a fine art, making sure you are not only hitting your breeding objectives but ensuring you are still driving profit and productivity as well.”
“The Modern Breeders Toolbox’ day (was) designed to help attendees understand more about the science and fundamental techniques for sheep selection,” she said.
Farmers at the field day were given sheep to analyse ranging from the stud’s best to animals at the lower end of quality.
“We looked at where were the good and not so good traits of the animals and everyone got a lot out of the day,” Simon said.
“We have a strong product and hopefully the day will contribute to making the industry stronger.”
Read More: Loddon Shire, Serpentine