The Top Sire Newsletter of The NSW Stud Merino Breeders Association

Transcription

1 Top Sire Newsletter_Nov04.qxd 8/12/2004 4:56 PM Page 1 The Top Sire October - December 2004 Riverina On Show An exciting display from 26 member studs was a highlight of September's Riverina Ram Preview held at Narrandera Race Club. The prestigious, Elders Riverina Ram of the Year Award was won by 'Elvis' from the Sims Uardry stud at Hay. Sixteen rams vied for the title which was judged by Richard House, Barloo, Gnowangerup, WA. In an extremely close decision, Boonoke and One Oak studs were also highly commended. The Riverina Merino Ram Preview also supports a number of key industry awards and events with two in particular supporting young people who are keen to make their mark in the industry. The 2004 Landmark Pennefather Perpetual Trophy for the Best Junior Judge was hotly contested by stud and industry contestants under 23 years of age. First prize was awarded to Josh Pumpa, overseer of the F.S. Falkiner studs Boonoke, Poll Boonoke and Wanganella. As part of his prize Josh will experience a three-week educational tour of leading NZ Merino studs. Second prize was awarded to Angus Munro of Uardry, with third prize going to Michael Campbell of Wanganella stud. Merial's Sandy Robertson Young Riverina Ambassador Award was won this year by Ben Chandler of F.S. Falkiner's Poll Boonoke. Ben's prize includes participation in a Rural Leadership Programme at Marcus Oldham College in July President David Taylor from Pooginook Merino stud expanded on the new challenges and opportunities for both Merino breeders and commercial "Elvis", the Riverina Ram of the Year from the Sims Uardry stud at Hay, was the $15,000 toppriced ram at the stud's annual sale. Stud groom, Spike Orr holds the ram pictured with stud manager, Chris Bowman; buyers, Russell Matthews, "Salony", Darlington, Vic. and Peter and Andrew L'Estrange, Belswick stud, Condobolin; and Charles Mills Pty Ltd directors, Nerissa Guest and Graeme Black. Photo courtesy The Land producers, saying "The Merino is the only true dual purpose animal in the world. "Not only does the Riverina Merino grow some of the world's best wool, but also it is becoming a major component of the meat industry. For the first time we are experiencing real value for our excess sheep. "Competition from meat sheep is having a big impact on the way Merino breeders view their future breeding direction. Today's Merino breeder lives in exciting times with a very bright and prosperous future and demand continues to outstrip supply." Further information: Wendy Spencer, executive secretary, ph , wspencer@itginternet.net.au or visit THE TOP SIRE The Newsletter of the NSW Stud Merino Breeders' Association Ltd A.B.N A.C.N The Australian Merino Centre Locked Bag 4317 Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 T: (02) F: (02) E: office@merinos.com.au Editor Carol-Ann Malouf Public Relations Officer NSW Stud Merino Breeders' Association Ltd PO Box 320 Condobolin NSW 2877 T: (02) F: (02) E: maloufca@westserv.net.au Printed by Dobija Design & Publishing T: (02) F: (02) E: printsales@dobijadp.com.au The opinions expressed in contributed copy in this newsletter are those of the contributor, not necessarily the Association. Proudly sponsored by NSW Merinos - Reliable Bloodlines 1

2 Top Sire Newsletter_Nov04.qxd 8/12/2004 4:56 PM Page 2 The Modern Merino not a cottage industry For the last six months our association has published a column titled "Merino Milestones" in The Land newspaper at fortnightly intervals. The milestones have included highlights of the excellent returns that have been achieved for Merino sheep over this period. These results support earlier research by Holmes Sackett & Associations and by Hassall & Associations which found that the gross margin on well bred, well cared for Merinos exceeds that achieved by other rural enterprises. More recently, research by Graham Lean and Associates of Hamilton, Vic, counters any perceptions that wool is a cottage industry, and I thank Graham for permission to quote from his August Wool Market Intelligence Report. This report states that globally, the wool industry continues to be a large industry of significant presence. Current ABARE data tells us that wool in its raw greasy form still constitutes more value in terms of exports from Australia than lamb, sugar, cotton, butter and skim milk powder, all put together. Further, all these products, apart from wool, are processed and value added, not raw exports. The astonishing facts are that the value of wool exports alone is 50 per cent greater than the whole dairy industry; 50 per cent bigger than the wine industry; larger than the wheat industry and similar in size to the beef industry; twice the size of the sugar industry; three times the size of the cotton industry and seven times the size of our lamb exports. These are not the statistics of a cottage industry and anyone who suggests otherwise could be considered out-of-date with Australia's export facts and figures. From a global perspective therefore, wool becomes an even bigger industry, not only at the raw greasy stage, but also particularly along the processing chain, as it ends up being highly value added. So I reiterate the message that we have been conveying through Merino Milestones, a message that I have been promoting all year - and that is that anyone thinking longterm and sticking with quality Merinos will be in the box seat when wool prices turn around. Kim Henderson President NSW SMBA Ph: Merino Milestones At the October John Wells Memorial sheep sale at Jerilderie, where his surplus young Merino ewes topped at $166, Andrew Sleigh said, "Who would have thought that one Merino ewe would be worth more than a tonne of wheat, and a cull ewe at that, and as well she has already had $40 worth of wool taken off." Andrew (pictured below with children Tom, 6 and Sam, 10) and his wife Julie from Bowen Station, Jerilderie presented a pen of 414 May/June 2003-drop Willandra blood, September-shorn Merino ewes to top the sale. This was the second consecutive sale-topper at this fixture but Andrew also recalled that it doesn't seem all that long ago when, in 1990, he topped the same sale with sheep that made $ The Sleighs also sold the best older ewes with 320 May/June 1999-drop ewes, September shorn, making $106. The 2004 Rabobank Landmark Australian Supreme Merino, a May '02 ram from Robert Harding's Glendonald stud, Nhill, Vic, (also supreme at Bendigo, Hay and Adelaide) topped the Objective Measurement Class at this year's Adelaide Show. In a convincing win, the Australian Supreme with liveweight of 177 kg, cut 23.4 kg of 19.6 micron wool (12-months growth) with a Comfort Factor of 99.1, muscle depth 42 mm and fat depth 4 mm. This was the fourth time Glendonald has won this class and for the last two years, 3 of the top 4 placings have been on Glendonald blood. Tops around $170 - $180 for young Merino ewes was the trend at a number of Spring surplus sales. At the Condobolin Merino Sheepbreeders Annual Surplus Sale in late September, the range of light unshorn lambs to good heavy joinable 1½ year-olds, averaged $118. With the inclusion of wethers and older ewes, the sale averaged $87, topping at $146 for Laurie & Tony Magill of "Overland" with a pen of 210 Roseville Park blood, April 03 Merino ewes, off shears. Photo courtesy The Land 2 NSW Merinos - Proven Genetics

3 Top Sire Newsletter_Nov04.qxd 8/12/2004 4:56 PM Page 3 Midstate Merinos The Midstate area is another that has found a winning formula in rotating locations for major Merino fixtures. After conducting their annual Elders Premier Hogget Competition and AWTA Super 6 flock ewe competition at Peak Hill's 100th Show last year, the Midstate group drew equally strong support for their move to Trundle Show. This year's competitions were a major triumph for the Langdene stud of Gordon, Colleen and Garry Cox with the Dunedoo-based stud winning the Elders Premier Hogget ram competition for the second time in the competition's 15-year history (Langdene was also winner in 2001). Judge, Bob Walters of Middle View, Dalgety singled out the Langdene ram for its handle, rich wool coverage and excellent structure. Mr Walters also judged the AWTA "Super 6" competition for teams of 6 flock ewes. Run over two categories, under and over 6 months wool, Langdene blood was responsible for both winners. AWTA Super Under 6 months wool: 1: Michael Inder, Wattlegrove Partnership, Dunedoo (Langdene blood) 2: Darryl and Leonie Sutherland, Oakleigh, Temora (Darriwell) 3: Jon and Colleen L Estrange, Inglewood, Condobolin, last year s winner (Genanegie) 4: Rex Wilson, Winterslo, Warren (Roxanna) Bevan Jolly, Elders stud stock specialist of Dubbo and judge Bob Walters, Middle View, Dalgety with the three placegetters in the Elders Premier Hogget Ram Competition - the winning ram is held by Gordon Cox, Langdene, Dunedoo with Midstate Merino Field Days president Stephen Swain, Genanegie, Peak Hill holding his runner-up and Stuart McBurnie, Weealla, Balladoran with his third placed ram. Mike Harvey Photo courtesy The Land Over 6 months wool: 1: Laurie and Ruth Pope, Weemala, Stuart Town (Langdene) 2: Laurie and Tony Magill, Overland, Bogan Gate, 2003 and 2002 winner (Roseville Park) 3: Ellis, Mary and Cranley Gowing, Eurella, Trundle (Darriwell) 4: Tony and Brenda O'Malley, Waratah, Narromine (Maybrook) Great Southern Supreme Merinos Goulburn - 21 to 24 January 2005 Friday 21 January FIELD DAYS, on-property Saturday 22 January SHOW, Goulburn Showground All sheep to be booked in by 12 p.m. sharp Showing to commence at 1 p.m. with sale ram classes Sunday 23 January SHOW, Goulburn Showground 8.30 a.m. start Features NSW March Shorn Pair and Supreme Exhibit Monday 24 January GOULBURN RAM SALE Commences 11 a.m. Further information: Leanne Davis Ph (02) AWI 7th World Merino Conference And Pre-Conference Tour 28 June to 14 July 2006 Contact: Organising Committee AWI 7th World Merino Conference Stud Merino Breeders Association of WA Ltd PO Box 135 CLAREMONT WA 6010 Ph: (08) Fax: (08) smbawa@bigpond.com Royal Easter Show, 18 to 31 March 3

4 Top Sire Newsletter_Nov04.qxd 8/12/2004 4:57 PM Page 4 Veterinary Research Award New England based company, Veterinary Health Research (VHR) has been named Agribusiness of the Year in the prestigious Champion of Champions 2004 small business awards sponsored by Westpac. VHR principal, Dr Bruce Chick, dedicated the award to the commitment, marketing, communication and customer relations skills of his small regionally-located management team and staff who operate under a national and international mandate. Dr Chick attributed VHR's success to its role in veterinary health research, extension, education and training, using a combination of conventional and internet marketing technology, including provision of technical support material on a dedicated website and on-line access to results and records. The company recently launched an innovative on-farm Drench Resistance Test Kit, combined with fast and accurate onfarm parasite monitoring (FECPAK) to helpoffset the escalating problem of resistance to common drenches in the Australian sheep flock. Dr Chick said these diagnostic, analytical and advisory aids play a key role in facilitating more efficient, effective, productive and profitable animal health and welfareactivities by graziers. VHR has also established an alliance with Elders Pastoral which allows its 400 branches and agencies nationally direct access to VHR's veterinary and parasitology analysis, diagnostic, consulting, training, technical support and merchandise services. Its major benefit has been to increase Elders' staff and client's ability to identify, prevent and control major internal and external parasites and nutritional problems impacting on livestock productivity, thus providing significant potential to improve profitability. VHR also maintains its own extension, education and advisory service to individual and corporate grazing entities and continues to provide independent product testing services to international animal pharmaceutical companies. Elders and VHR share the view that animal health is not a cost, but an investment. Further information: Dr Bruce Chick ph (02) Top Hoggets 2004 Principal of Haddon Rig, Warren, George Falkiner holds the ram that topped the stud's on-property sale and posted a seasonal eastern States record at $26,000. Also pictured are stud representative, Ken Littlejohn, WA, buyer, Kim Halbert of Arawa stud, Eneabba, WA and Haddon Rig stud manager, Andy Maclean. Phoebe Kerin photo courtesy The Land Principal of Pooginook, Jerilderie, David Taylor, holds his stud's top-priced $17,000 ram purchased by Rob Lindsay, Cora Lynn stud, Peak Hill. Liz Bull photo courtesy The Land 4 Sydney Sheep Show, 16 to 20 March

5 Top Sire Newsletter_Nov04.qxd 8/12/2004 4:57 PM Page 5 On The Fall of the Hammer 2004 ON-PROPERTY SALES Stud Sold Top Ave Stud Sold Top Ave ADINA, Cooma AIRLIE, Warialda ALFOXTON, Armidale ALLENDALE, Goolma ARABLE, Cooma AVENEL, Wanganella AVONSWORTH, Gunning BACK CREEK, Nundle BLYTH, Adelong BOCOBLE, Mudgee BOONOKE/WANG, Deniliquin BORAMBIL, Balldale BOYANGA, Mungindi BRUNDANELLA, Grenfell BUNDALEER, Walla Walla BUNDILLA, Young BUNGULLA, Manilla CARA, Delungra CARRABUNGLA, Laggan CASSILIS PARK, Cassilis COONONG, Urana CORA LYNN, Peak Hill CORROBOREE, Borenore COTTAGE PARK, Cooma CRESSBROOK, Armidale CROMARTY, Ben Lomond DELWICK, Mudgee DEMONDRILLE,Murrumburrah DUNBOGAN, Elong Elong E. RIVERINA SALE, Culcairn EAST ROSEVILLE, Brewarrina EDGECOMBE, Berrigan EDINGTON, Armidale EGELABRA, Warren FAIRFIELD Grange,Wellington GENANEGIE, Peak Hill GILGUNYAH, Windeyer GLANNA, Gulgong GLENOAK, Nundle GLENWOOD, Wellington GRATHLYN, Hargraves GREENLAND, Nimmitabel GULLENDAH, Baldry GULLENGAMBLE, Yeoval HADDON RIG, Warren HAZELDEAN, Cooma HILLCRESTON, Bigga HILLTOP, Mudgee (2003) ILLAWARRA, Yerong Creek JERILDERIE A.Q. Sale KARORI, Walcha KELVIN VALE, Uralla KOONWARRA, Canowindra $4250 $2500 $2400 $1200 $1500 $3500 $2000 $2400 $4000 $10,000 $4100 (2) $900 $1600 $2800 $2500 $1500 $4700 $6600 $1000 $1700 $3500 $1300 $1600 (2) $4000 $5000 $4000 $3600 $3800 $1600 $4400 $2400 $2600 $4300 $26,000 $4300 $13,000 $3400 $2100 $5750 $3400 $1107 $860 $1200 $578 $639 $1080 $960 $660 $936 $920 $1258 $1520 $1126 $700 $721 $1351 $1114 $557 $954 $860 $947 $1154 $636 $811 $1200 $1438 $600 $1394 $982 $869 $700 $666 $733 $1604 $770 $1151 $1216 $1123 $450 $771 $1050 $1080 $1170 $1541 $1777 $1548 $1741 $1300 $1011 $679 $1620 $934 $1121 LANGDENE, Dunedoo LAUREL PARK, W Wyalong LEMANI, Gum Flat LONGFORD, Armidale LORELMO POLL, Walcha LOST RIVER, Crookwell MANDERVILLE, Dubbo MEADOW VIEW, Henty MERRIGNEE, Boorowa MERRYSHIELS, Walcha MERRYVILLE, Boorowa MIDDLE VIEW, Dalgety MILANDI, Windeyer M.M.A., Nimmitabel MUMBLEBONE, Wellington MYOCUM, Spicers Creek NANIMA, Murrumbateman NERSTANE, Woolbrook OLD COBRAN, Deniliquin ONE OAK studs, Jerilderie ONE OAK POLL, Jerilderie OTTERBOURNE, Yass PETALI, Walcha POMANARA, Hill End POOGINOOK, Jerilderie QUEENLEE, Uralla ROSEVILLE PARK, Dubbo ROXANNA POLL, Birriwa ROYALLA, Wallendbeen SEVERN PARK, Cooma SHALIMAR PARK, Wollun SNOWY PLAIN, Berridale S.W. SLOPES, Young STEECO, Parkes TARA PARK, Boorowa THE YANKO, Jerilderie TOWALBA, Peak Hill UARDRY/SIMS UARDRY, Hay WAVERLEY DOWNS, Delungra WEEALLA, Balladoran WENDOUREE, Grenfell WESTON PARK, Bookham WESTRAY, Peak Hill WEST VALE, Wollun WHYWORRY PARK, Uralla WILLANDRA Studs, Jerilderie WILLURAH, Conargo WOODPARK, Jerilderie WOOLAROO, Yass WYUNA, Armatree YALDARA, Yalgogrin North YALGOO, Walcha YARRAWONGA, Cooma $9000 $1100 $800 $11,000 $6200 $850 $1500 $3400 $5750 $4500 (2) $4800 $1000 $3400 $1300 $800 $7000 $2100 $1850 $3100 $17,000 $5400 $10,500 $1050 (2) $950 $4600 $7500 $1600 $1600 $5800 $2100 (2) $15,000 $1400 $3100 $1700 $14,500 $2800 $3900 $2600 $5200 $2100 $1500 $1550 $4500 $1936 $680 $487 $1966 $2562 $560 $1217 $714 $1170 $1619 $1529 $1213 $600 $867 $844 $708 $510 $1805 $670 $1132 $1050 $750 $1506 $856 $1798 $1017 $1933 $744 $475 $1557 $868 $1706 $700 $642 $1670 $1126 $812 $1316 $775 $920 $562 $1053 $1018 $735 $1124 $1082 $1541 $1036 $793 $588 $1421 $1291 E & OE Photographs from The Land newspaper - ph

6 Top Sire Newsletter_Nov04.qxd 8/12/2004 4:57 PM Page 6 IWTO Hobart Congress 2005 Brochures for the IWTO 2005 Congress, to be staged in Hobart from 18 to 23 April are now available along with an on-line registration facility. The first four days of the Congress are being offered as a short "Grower" Programme (particularly to provide access for wool growers who do not wish to attend the full Programme), at a pro rata fee of $825 including GST. Further information: Australia's Supreme - Robert Harding, Glendonald, Nhill is pictured with his 2004 Rabobank/Landmark Australian Supreme Merino Ram. The Victorian champion, sashed at the Rabobank National in August, GLD 2.1, with a 19.6 micron fleece, defeated State finalists, Mt Ascot from Mitchell, Qld, the Greenfields stud at Hallett, SA, the Barloo stud from Gnowangerup, WA and the NSW State finalist, Boonoke from Deniliquin. Photo courtesy The Land Wool4Wealth grower network for NSW Wool4Wealth, a new AWI funded woolgrower group network designed to help farmers improve productivity and profitability, will be launched in NSW in The Wool4Wealth program will build on the success of the existing AWI-funded networks - Bestwool in Victoria, BestPrac across the pastoral zones and 8x5 in Tasmania. The NSW network will incorporate groups of farm businesses in six major regions, that over the next three years will look at the major profit drivers for their enterprises, compare practices and look for opportunities to improve their bottom line. Further information or registration of interest: Phone AWI toll free on Deadman switch boosts shearer safety Deadman switch shearing motor technology that automatically stops dropped handpieces will be on the market next year, boosting shearer safety. The deadman switch was developed by Swiss shearing equipment manufacturer Heiniger as part of AWI's Shear Express project. AWI CEO Dr Len Stephens said that although AWI funding for the Shear Express project stopped late last year, the company remained committed to ensuring innovative technology from the venture was made available for further development. Under a non-exclusive licence agreement with AWI, Heiniger has integrated the deadman switch into its antilocking Evo Drive overhead motor, leaving the handpiece and downtube unchanged. AWI will also make the technology available to other shearing equipment companies that are developing antilocking motors. The deadman switch enhances the antilocking mechanism because it stops the handpiece when it is dropped or pulled out of a shearer's hand. "As well as improving OH&S for shearers, it will also help improve efficiency because there is no need to manually turn the motor off between sheep. The handpiece starts automatically when picked up and stops when released," Dr Stephens said. The deadman switch will also be incorporated into upright posture shearing platforms being developed as part of AWI's three-year wool harvesting program. 6 AWI 7th World Merino Conference ~ 28 June to 14 July 2006 ~ Perth

7 Top Sire Newsletter_Nov04.qxd 8/12/2004 4:57 PM Page 7 Bale feeders save money Sheep producers are set to benefit from a new bale feeder, developed by NSW DPI researchers at Cowra, which boosts the profitability of supplementary feeding. Research shows the Cowra bale feeder not only eliminates most of the wastage that occurs, but also improves feed efficiency. Lambs fed lucerne pasture silage through the feeder had higher intakes and reached the target weight some two weeks earlier, saving an estimated $4 per head in feed costs. However, the savings would be much higher during times of drought when the price of feed escalates. Researchers working in conjunction with the Australian Sheep Industry CRC came up with the simple design after finding that wastage could be as high as 45 per cent. NSW DPI technical officer, David Stanley, said wastage was caused by wet weather, urine, faeces and mud contamination. "Sheep are selective feeders and unless they are starving they will avoid feed that is soiled or weather damaged," Mr Stanley said. "Current methods of feeding are not terribly efficient, partly because sheep have the particular problem of insufficient reach, especially when round or large square bales are placed in normal round or fixed width feeders. "Feeding in hay racks has also shown to be wasteful, with the added problem of grass seeds in eyes and increased vegetable fault in the wool if fed above head height." He said limited access restricted intake and contributed to social stress - research showing that 25 per cent of the mob should be able to feed at any time. There is always a need for sheep to have roughage for correct rumen function. The amount can vary from 30 to 100 per cent (for example, full silage diets) depending on paddock feed, animal requirements and production goals. "Using the bale feeder, dry matter wastage dropped from 45 per cent to seven per cent for round bales of lucerne pasture silage with six per cent barley seed heads," Mr Stanley said. "For pure round bales of lucerne silage the results show a reduction from 19 per cent to nil, and for pure large square bales of lucerne hay the figure went from 29 per cent to one per cent." The Cowra bale feeder is designed to be made by producers or steel fabrication manufacturers and comes in two sizes, the smaller one holding one round bale of silage of hay or square bales of silage (up to 1.5 metres long). The plans can be found in the publications section of the Sheep CRC web site at Producers who feed mainly large square bales of hay (2.4 metres long) can use the larger version, which takes two round bales. One feeder is used for 100 to 200 sheep, depending on the size of the feeder and the level of supplementation. The feeders are covered for weather protection and have a pivoting side to allow full access as the bale is eaten. Removal bars, constructed from galvanised tubing, allow bales to be delivered with a set of forks and mean that the bale feeder can also be used for cattle. Welcome... To the following NSW studs, registered since July: WOOLLYBUT - Flock No Victoria & Tony Geddes, "Yallock", Holbrook TALLAWONG Flock No Frank and Lisa Kaveney, "Tallawong", Yass CARINYA POLL P. - Flock No Alan and Heather Marchant, Watsons Creek KIROB, Flock No (correction of Flock No.) NSW Merino Breeders - Breeders of the Modern Merino 7

8 Top Sire Newsletter_Nov04.qxd 8/12/2004 4:57 PM Page SYDNEY ROYAL SHEEP & FLEECE SHOW 106th Sydney Sheep Show - Merinos & Poll Merinos - Wednesday 16 March to Sunday 20 March 2005 Venue - Jenko Pavilion MID-SIDE SAMPLING: From 6 to 17 December 2004 ARRIVALS: Wednesday 16 March from 7.30 a.m. to noon INSPECTIONS: Wednesday 16 March from 1.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. JUDGING TIMETABLE: Thursday 17 March from 8 a.m. Merino Pair of the Year - NSW Final and Junior Classes (4 tooth classes will commence if Junior Classes completed before 4.00 p.m.) Friday 18 March from 8 a.m. All Other Age Classes, Grand Champions, Supreme Merino Friday 18 March From 4 p.m. Bruce Merriman Memorial Trophy, Otway Falkiner Cup and Stonehaven Cup RAS SHEEP & WOOL COMMITTEE COCKTAIL PARTY: Friday 18 March following judging OFFICIAL OPENING AND PRIZE PRESENTATION: Saturday 19 March from 2.30 p.m. RAS/ASC STATE MERINO JUDGING COMPETITION: Saturday 19 March from 8.00 a.m. NATIONAL MERINO JUDGING COMPETITION: Saturday 19 March from a.m. MERINO SHEEP HANDLERS COMPETITION: To Follow RAS/ASC STATE FLEECE JUDGING COMPETITION: Saturday 19 March after Opening NATIONAL FLEECE JUDGING COMPETITION: Saturday 19 March from 5.00 p.m. DEPARTURES: Sunday 20 March - time to be advised (except Grand Champions and exhibition sheep) - Fleece - Monday 14 March 2005 DELIVERIES OF FLEECES TO RAS: By Friday 25 February 2005 FLEECE JUDGING: Monday 14 March 2005 Sheep Entries Close Monday 24 January 2005 Fleece Entries Close Monday 7 February 2005 For entry information contact RAS Sheep Section Co-Ordinator Ph: (02) /50 RAS of NSW, Locked Bag 4317, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW www. merinonsw.com.au