The Top Sire. Australian Supreme to NSW s Boonoke. President s Message. 1

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1 The Top Sire Proudly sponsored by Newsletter of The NSW Stud Merino Breeders Association May - August 008 Australian Supreme to NSW s Boonoke For the second consecutive year, a ram from F S Falkiner & Sons at Deniliquin has won the supreme exhibit title at the Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show. Last year s winner was from the Wanganella stud and this year Boonoke took out the title with a ram that had already secured the supreme award at both the Australian Sheep Show in Bendigo and the Hay Sheep Show. At the Dubbo fixture, the ram, Boonoke 6.4 was sashed reserve grand champion ram to Boonoke 6.34 but at the discretion of the stud s management and as permitted under the competition s rules, the reserve grand champion was substituted to contest the national title. Coming through from the 6-tooth medium wool class, the new Rabobank Australian Supreme Merino ram measured 0.5-micron with a CV of. and 99.6 CF. Since their Dubbo victories, B6.4 has cut 8. kg and B6.34, 9 kg. The Boonoke win gives NSW its sixth Australian Supreme title in the fourteen years of the national competition. Other state finalists this year were Kolindale, Wickepin WA; Rock Bank, Victoria Valley, Vic; Mount Ascot, Mitchell, Qld; and North Ashrose, Gulnare SA. Boonoke 6.4, the 008 Rabobank Australian Supreme Merino ram with stud manager, Jim Coward, stud master Forbes Murdoch and Peter Knoblanche, Rabobank Rural Australia general manager. President s Message As I write I am aware that a great slice of NSW missed the rains of recent weeks that others to the north and east have enjoyed. I sincerely hope that in the immediate future those who have missed out have significant rain. Much of the future of the wool industry depends on those in agriculture feeling and being positive and rain is always a great start to optimism. Congratulations to Angus Beveridge, Brennan O Keeffe and their Dubbo National Ram Sale Committee for the successful staging of another Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show and Ram Sale. Congratulations to Boonoke, the winner of the Australian Supreme Merino Ram award and once again thank you to Rabobank who has sponsored this event for many, many years. I also thank Australian Wool Network, part sponsors and organisers of the wool show, AWTA and all other sponsors. Without your generosity this significant event on the Merino calendar would not happen. The ram sale at Dubbo exceeded all expectations with a healthy $0 increase in sale average and increased clearance. A great effort from the Roseville Park team saw them post top price of $0,000 and highest average. Congratulations Matthew and Cherie. At our last council meeting we decided to further fund the shearer and wool handler training scheme that TAFE has undertaken with such success over the previous -8 months. A sum of $5,000 was promised which will fund an additional 75 participants in this most worthwhile and proactive programme. I assure you that other interstate breeders councils look on this initiative with some jealousy. Much of my time and energy in the past months has been taken in trying to keep the mulesing issue in its true perspective. Considerable misinformation, grandstanding and point scoring has occurred and the opportunism (Continued on page 8)

2 008 Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show & Ram Sale - Dubbo Major Awards 008 Rabobank Australian Supreme Ram NSW Finalist: Boonoke, Deniliquin Supreme Exhibit & Supreme NSW Ram Boonoke, Deniliquin Most Successful Exhibitor - Overall, Show and Fleece Bocoble, Mudgee * Elders City of Dubbo Group One Oak, Jerilderie Roseville Park, Dubbo 3 Airlie Poll, Warialda The Max Smith Champion Pair One Oak, Jerilderie Boonoke, Deniliquin 3 Roseville Park, Dubbo ** Elders Champion Pen of 5 Sale Rams One Oak, Jerilderie Performance Class Boonoke, Deniliquin *** Grand Champion Ram Boonoke, Deniliquin * Reserve Grand Champion Ram Boonoke, Deniliquin * Grand Champion Ewe One Oak, Jerilderie Reserve Grand Champion Ewe Wyuna, Armatree Most Successful Exhibitor - Open Boonoke, Deniliquin Most Successful Poll Exhibitor Terrick West, Prairie Vic Champion Poll Merino Ram Roxanna, Balladoran Champion Poll Merino Ewe Terrick West, Prairie Vic NSW Jnr Champion March-shorn ram Uardry, Hay NSW Jnr Champion March-shorn ewe Dunbogan, Elong Elong Malcolm Swain Memorial - Best Handler Emma Collett, Roseville Park AUGUST SHORN CHAMPIONS Champion Superfine Ram Merryville, Boorowa ** Champion Superfine Ewe Merryville, Boorowa * Champion Fine Ram Merryville, Boorowa Champion Fine Wool Ewe One Oak, Jerilderie Champion Fine/Medium Ram Pemcaw, Dunedoo Champion Fine/Medium Ewe One Oak, Jerilderie Champion Medium Ram Boonoke, Deniliquin * Champion Medium Ewe Wyuna, Armatree Champion Strong Ram Boonoke, Deniliquin * Champion Strong Ewe Pemcaw, Dunedoo MARCH SHORN CHAMPIONS Champion Superfine Ram Bocoble, Mudgee * Champion Superfine Ewe Grassy Creek, Rugby Champion Fine Ram Grassy Creek, Rugby Champion Fine Wool Ewe Bocoble, Mudgee Champion Fine/Medium Ram Weealla, Balladoran Champion Fine/Medium Ewe Dunbogan, Elong Elong Champion Medium Ram Boonoke, Deniliquin ** Champion Medium Ewe Dunbogan, Elong Elong Champion Strong Ram Uardry, Hay ** Champion Strong Ewe Uardry, Hay * * = consecutive year award Australian Wool Network 008 NATIONAL FLEECE SHOW Supreme Champion Fleece Bocoble Mudgee Grand Champion Ram Fleece Emoh Ruo, Bundarra Grand Champion Ewe or Wether Fleece Bocoble, Mudgee Champion Medium Wool Fleece Kurrajong Park, Delungra Super/Ultrafine Fleece - Best Quality and Style Most Successful Exhibitor HOUSED SECTIONS Superfine Ewe or Wether Fleece Bocoble, Mudgee Superfine Ram Fleece Fine Ewe or Wether Fleece Fine Ram Fleece Emoh Ruo, Bundarra Medium Ewe or Wether Fleece Kurrajong Park, Delungra Medium Ram Fleece Bungulla, Manilla Strong Ewe or Wether Fleece One Oak, Jerilderie UNHOUSED SECTIONS Superfine Ewe or Wether Fleece Fine Ewe or Wether Fleece Medium Ewe or Wether Fleece Maybrook, Narromine Strong Ewe or Wether Fleece Raby, Warren COMMERCIAL SECTIONS Fine Ewe or Wether Burragundy, Coolah Medium Ewe/Wether Compton P/S, Coonamble Strong Ewe/Wether Compton P/S, Coonamble Top: Brett Cooper, Australian Wool Network, Mudgee with Malcolm Cox, Bocoble, Mudgee and his supreme champion fleece. Left: Part of the impressive line-up of teams competing in the Max Smith Pairs won by One Oak, Jerilderie. Producers of the world s most versatile and unique fibre... MERINO WOOL

3 National Ram Sale Vendor Summary - Stud Roseville Park, Dubbo Nerstane, Woolbrook One Oak, Jerilderie Haddon Rig, Warren Bungulla, Manilla Raby, Warren Dunbogan, Elong Elong Langdene, Dunedoo Pemcaw, Dunedoo Weealla, Balladoran Grogansworth, Bowning Tara Park, Boorowa Towalba, Peak Hill Rockdale, Canowindra Waverley Downs, Delungra Wyuna, Armatree Selected Rams Roseville Park, Dubbo Langdene, Dunedoo March Shorn Rams Sims Uardry, Hay Wallaloo Park, Marnoo Vic Genanegie, Peak Hill Allendale, Goolma Quamby Park, Dirrinbandi Q Rockdale, Canowindra Roxanna, Balladoran Sold Top Price $ 0,000 4,000 0,500, () () () 9,500 0, Average $, ,50 0, Top: Roseville Park s top-priced ram of this year s National Ram Sale is held by Matthew Coddington with buyer Ross McGauchie, Terrick West, Prairie, Vic and Sandy McKirdy representing New Zealand buyer Alistair Campbell, Earnscleugh, Alexandra. Photo courtesy The Land Below: The Uardry ram which sold for second top-price of $9,500 to The Yanko, Jerilderie is pictured with Uardry manager, Ben Lane after being named 008 Riverina Ram of the Year. Also pictured are Western Riverina Elders area manager Rob Massina, judge Roger Polkinghorne, Charinga and Banavie studs, St Arnaud, Vic and Clyde McKenzie, Elders, Deniliquin. In Dubbo the ram was also declared NSW Junior Champion March-shorn ram and was Australian Champion All Purpose ram in Bendigo. STUD RAMS Sold: 47 Offered: 64 Top Price: $0,000 Average: $5090 Clearance: 73% SELECTED RAMS Sold: 4 Offered: 6 Top Price: $5000 Average: $65 Clearance: 67% MARCH Shn RAMS Sold: Offered: Top Price: $9,500 Average: $49 Clearance: 57% OVERALL Sold: 63 Offered: 9 Top Price: $0,000 Gross: $300,050 Average: $4763 Clearance: 69% E & OE RABOBANK NATIONAL MERINO SHEEP SHOW MERINO JUDGING COMPETITION Overall Winner William Webb Senior (0-5) William Webb, Roseville Park, Dubbo Alistair McDonald, Uardry, Hay 3 William McAlpine, Uardry, Hay Junior (9 and under) Felicity Brumpton, Jolly Jumbuck Poll, Mitchell Qld Jock Capel, Bungulla, Manilla 3 Lachlan Brumpton, Jolly Jumbuck Poll, Mitchell Qld Best Handler Best Oral Achievement Award Felicity Brumpton William Webb (Senior) Jock Capel (Junior) Lachlan Brumpton William Webb, Alistair McDonald and William McAlpine. Registered NSW Merino studs use the NSW SMBA Merino logo 3

4 Funding continues for Wool Handler Training Following the success of the pilot TAFE NSW Western Institute Wool Handler Training Programme in 007 the NSW Stud Merino Breeders Association Trust has made funding available to enable its continuation. The programme which aims to increase wool returns both immediately and into the future through improved wool handling skills and clip preparation has been hailed by all woolgrowers, handlers and classers involved in the pilot. The allocation from the SMBA s Trust Fund under its education provision will fund enrolment fees for 75 places in the round of the training programme. Woolgrowers are again invited to support this proactive initiative by hosting a training programme in their shed during shearing. As a result they can expect Improved wool handler skills Better preparation of oddment lines (locks, pieces and bellies) Removal of short and possibly stained crutch wool Effective skirting to maximise wool remaining in fleece lines Reduced chance of injury through improved work techniques and awareness of OH&S issues These aims were achieved in the previous programme and as well, wool handlers improved their efficiency as a result of better teamwork and communication among themselves and with classers. Woolgrowers who provide training venues will also be providing encouragement to young people to enter the industry. For example following the last SMBA Trust-funded course, four Year and High School students with no other career prospects in their home area, were able to obtain employment in the industry close to home as a direct result of successful completion of the course. The SMBA s participation is part of a joint funding initiative with the NSW State Government along with TAFE s Western Institute which provides in-shed training of wool handlers to an accredited level. The programme will also utilise resources developed by Australian Wool Innovation as part of the previous programme. While there is little difference in appearance between this programme and an AWI programme that works with bigger teams, the SMBA Trust funding provides flexibility in targeting a wider range of smaller groups and adds extra training capacity. Training takes place in a grower s shed during shearing and there is no limit to the number of handlers who can be enrolled. Training is under way in the new programme and it is hoped that the 75 SMBA Trust-funded places will be filled during the current financial year. Jim Murray, one of TAFE s registered professional trainers who assists in the programme s delivery said, There is a need for ongoing maintenance of an accepted standard of clip preparation with continual training of wool handlers to give the confidence back to the market that this high standard brings. Jim also said that it does not matter how much experience a wool handler has - all benefit from this specialised and up-to-date training. David Crean, head teacher shearing and agribusiness, TAFE NSW Western Institute said, The support of the NSW Stud Merino Breeders Association is a key factor in enabling this training for the industry. Merino woolgrowers who would like to participate in this programme are invited to contact Jim Murray on or Jim or David Crean at TAFE s Wellington office on (0) More from Dubbo Left: Stuart Beveridge holds the reserve grand champion ewe and NSW junior champion March shorn ewe of this year s Rabobank National in Dubbo, from Angus and Melinda Beveridge s Wyuna stud at Armatree. This ewe was also the supreme exhibit at this year s Queensland State Sheep Show in Roma. Right: John Roberts, Dunbogan, Elong Elong with his champion fine/medium March shorn ewe. Photos courtesy The Land 4 0th Sydney Sheep Show - 5 to 8 April 009

5 AASMB Trade Mission to Europe To include 8th World Merino Conference - France 00 The Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders (AASMB) on behalf of members is planning a trade mission programme to Europe in May 00. This programme will be designed to give Australian participants an opportunity to promote their studs to an international audience as well as showcasing the Australian Merino industry. Special promotional activities will be planned to coincide with the 8th World Merino Conference which is to be held at the Bergerie Nationale in Rambouillet, France from 3 to 5 May 00. The Australian programme will depart Australia in late April and include visits to key areas in Europe of interest to Australian producers. A feature of the trade mission programme will be the scientific and technical programme that is being developed by the conference organising committee and an informative and entertaining stay in Rambouillet is assured. Deputy director of the Bergerie Nationale, Christine Lang (below), said In addition to the main themes developed during preceding conferences, we shall pay particular attention to the role of sheep breeding in human activities, education and training, in sustainable development, landscape management and the promotion of economic balance in various parts of the country. The programme will present attendees with an insight to European policies and needs along with contributions from international speakers. Pre and post-conference tours will balance flock visits with cultural and gastronomic highlights which will also take in neighbouring European countries. The Bergerie Nationale The Bergerie Nationale of Rambouillet (pictured right), a national establishment of the French Agricultural Ministry is located 45 km south west of Paris. It is set in a 50- hectare parkland in the Forest of Rambouillet, recognised by scientists as an exceptional area of animal and plant diversity. The 00 hectare estate also houses the château de Rambouillet, the summer residence of the President of France. It was created by Louis XVI in 786 as a model farm for the development of innovation and acquired its worldwide renown due to its exceptional flock of Merino sheep imported from Spain at the express demand of the sovereign in 786. In the 9th century, this flock came to play an important role in the improvement of sheep and wool in many European countries and in the southern hemisphere through the export of rams. For two centuries it has been a place of experimentation, diffusion of new techniques and genetic preservation. This institution played a major role in the nineteenth century in the improvement of wool based on worldwide export of Rambouillet Merino sheep introduced into France by order of the king. However, the Bergerie is far more than a great farm at the gates of Paris since 994, it has been a resource and training centre for agricultural and regional development. The Bergerie is now committed to demonstrating the virtues of multifunctional agriculture within the framework of sustainable development. Its main role is training agricultural teachers, experimentation and support to agricultural teaching establishments, local operators and communities. The Bergerie also works with researchers, technical institutes, national studs, government and professional organisations. The AASMB has appointed Quadrant Australia to coordinate the trade mission programme and further details of the itinerary and content as well as registration information will be provided to members in early 009. Members may register an expression of interest through Carol King, executive director of the Australian Merino Centre, ph (0) , fax (0) or carol@merinos. com.au Information on travel options may be directed to Peter Llloyd, executive director, Quadrant Australia, ph (0) or peter.lloyd@quadrantaustralia.com EXPRESSION OF INTEREST 00 AASMB Trade Mission to Europe incorporating the 8th World Merino Conference Rambouillet - France Departs April 00 An informative and interesting programme is being planned to offer benefits to AASMB members Please register your interest with: Carol King, Australian Merino Centre Locked Bag 437, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 7 Phone: (0) Fax: (0) carol@merinos.com.au NSW Merinos - Predictable Breeding 5

6 Industry Report: Securing a Sustainable Future for Wool Drought conditions and low returns for wool production in recent years have seen further declines in the Australian sheep flock. However, according to a recently released industry report, the resulting lower wool supply, which has helped to support recent price spikes, has hidden some of the underlying problems facing the wool industry in Australia. The report, from the world s leading food and agribusiness bank, Rabobank, said that over the last few years wool consumption has remained relatively steady as strong economic growth in the major wool consuming countries has helped fuel higher retail and apparel sales. However, while wool consumption has remained steady, its share of the total retail market continues to fall. Report author and Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory analyst, Doug Whitehead, said that the price competitiveness of cotton and the technological improvement in man made fibres continues to place growing pressure on wool demand, especially given the current exchange rate environment, which has made wool more expensive for overseas buyers. Furthermore, a slowdown of economic conditions globally throughout 008, especially in the United States, Japan and Western Europe, is expected to have a significant impact on both wool apparel and interior textile demand due to a slowdown in discretionary spending. Wool is no longer a mainstream global fibre, holding a niche position in the retail apparel market. The wool industry must reposition itself in response to changing consumer demands and discover new and innovative ways to improve grower returns and maintain a viable and sustainable industry, Mr Whitehead said. Opportunities - new markets and changing consumer demands It is becoming increasingly important for the wool industry to continue to develop new markets and exploit the opportunities that exist in some of the non-traditional wool consuming countries, according to the report. In India per capita spending on apparel grew by 5.8 per cent in 007 and is likely to reach even higher in 008. Increases in menswear sales are expected to provide the majority of the growth, with forecasts suggesting a 4.86 per cent jump throughout 008. This should help to drive growth in consumption of woollen apparel, with the burgeoning middle class expected to increase their demand for suits and other men s outerwear, the report says. However, while consumption of apparel is increasing, wool faces a number of significant barriers, Mr Whitehead said. Import tariffs on finished woollen products in India have historically been high, which has limited both the quality and availability of woollen apparel and left the Indian population with the perception that woollen garments are either expensive or locally made garments are often of poor quality. In addition to pursuing new markets, the future of wool demand remains increasingly dependent on the ability of the industry to adapt to changing consumer needs, according to Mr Whitehead. In the longer run, the wool industry needs to focus on emphasising the sustainability, quality and functionality of the fibre in order to retain its place in the global fibre market, as well as take a more considered approach to changing consumer sentiments surrounding animal welfare and eco-friendly products, Mr Whitehead said. By taking a pro-active approach to improving animal husbandry practices, the wool industry can avoid being left in the vulnerable position in which it finds itself as a result of campaigns against mulesing, he said. On the other hand, if the industry is able to satisfy animal rights groups by the required deadline, then it will be well placed to take advantage of its clean & green characteristics, the report says. However, it will take a concerted effort to reverse the negative perceptions that the mulesing issue has created, not only for the Australian wool industry but also for wool globally, Mr Whitehead said. Productivity growth the key to increasing grower returns Sheep production has consistently lagged behind other broadacre industries in terms of productivity growth. This more than anything has driven the exodus from the wool sector. The wool industry needs to shift its primary focus towards developing strategies that can significantly improve productivity growth and enhance wool s competitive position against other farming enterprises. Improving wool yield per Dry Sheep Equivalent and wool quality - not necessarily reducing fibre diameter - combined with the implementation of a production system that takes into account optimal seasonal price variations, can significantly increase gross revenue per hectare, Mr White head said, adding that focusing on improving cost efficiencies can allow growers to maximise profits per hectare, while also limiting exposure to fluctuations in wool prices. While marketing remains an important factor in sustaining retail demand for wool and woollen products, a more balanced approach, including an increased focus on research and development within the wool industry, is more likely to drive an improvement in farm gate returns for growers, Mr Whitehead said. For a full copy of the report, or any other inquiries, please call your nearest Rabobank branch on Performance Production Profit - the NSW Modern Merino

7 Penned Up NSW Farmer of the Year Merino breeders featured prominently among finalists in the 008 NSW Farmer of the Year award co-ordinated by NSW DPI and the NSW Farmers Association, supported by The Land and the RAS of NSW. Farmer of the Year, Nigel Kerin, is a co-principal of Gullengamble Merino stud at Yeoval holistically managing a cell grazing operation at Naringla. Shortlisted for the title of NSW Young Farmer of the Year, Ben Watts, along with his wife Fiona, own and manage Bralca Merino stud on Waidup Homestead at Molong having registered their stud last year. Ben was also selected for the 008 AASMB National Leadership Course. Emoh Ruo s Thirteen Supremes Thirteen was a lucky number for John and Annette Doak of Emoh Ruo at this year s Royal Queensland Show, representing the number of times they have shown the supreme champion fleece at the Ekka since the early 990s. The fleece was from a member of the Doak s Stonehaven Cup winning team at this year s Sydney Sheep Show. The 008 Mid State Elders Premier Hogget Ram of the Year award has gone to a 0.-micron ram from Darriwell, the Trundle-based stud of Russell Jones. This is the third time Darriwell has won this award in the nineteen-year history of the competition. Woolgrowers looking for a wife? If you are aged between 5 and 45 and searching for the woman of your dreams, phone (0) to register your interest in being selected for the Nine Network s third series of The Farmer Wants a Wife which begins production in October. NSW Woman of the Year Congratulations to Melinda Medway, Burrinjuck Electorate s Woman of the Year and a finalist in the 008 NSW Woman of the Year awards. Starting with the Merino Café in Gunning, Melinda and husband Scott (of Avonsworth stud) now have three businesses in the Southern Tablelands village which employ over 5 locals and are credited with having revitalised Gunning. Vale The association extends sincere sympathy to the families of Ann Rollinson, Goolgumbla, Jerilderie (and Concordia, Mysia Vic) and Ian Sutherland, Deeargee, Uralla who have passed away in recent months. Chronicling 75 years of the Queensland Association To commemorate 75 years of the Queensland Merino Stud Sheepbreeders Association a comprehensive, leather-bound, 05-page book has been complied by noted author, Mary Roberts and president of the QMSSA, Peter Hacker. Titled The Queensland Merino Stud Sheepbreeders Association - 75th Anniversary Souvenir Book 008 it is available by contacting Peter Hacker, ph or write to him at Roselea, Muckadilla Qld 446. The book is $30 and an additional $0 should be included for postage. On-line Results 008 Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show 008 Rabobank National Ram Sale 008 Sydney Sheep Show 008 Great Southern Supreme Merinos Show 008 Great Southern Supreme Merinos Ram Sale On-Property Results Ram Selling Season The Top Sire (including archived copies to 004) Welcome... To newly registered NSW stud: PEMCAW POLL P F No 377 Pemcaw Merino Stud, Pemcaw, Dunedoo THE TOP SIRE Newsletter of The NSW Stud Merino Breeders Association Ltd ABN The Australian Merino Centre Editor Printed by Locked Bag 437 Carol-Ann Malouf DobijaWorld Sydney Olympic Park NSW 7 Public Relations Officer NSW SMBA Ph: Ph: Fax: PO Box 30 Condobolin NSW 877 Fax: office@merinos.com.au Ph: Fax: sales@dobijaworld.com carol-annmalouf@bigpond.com The opinions expressed in contributed copy in this newsletter are those of the contributor, not necessarily the Association. 7

8 Australian Sheep & Wool Show - Bendigo NSW Results Boonoke, Deniliquin Supreme Merino Exhibit Most Successful Merino Exhibitor Grand Champion Merino Ram Grand Champion Medium Merino Ram Grand Champion Strong Merino Ram Champion Open Medium Ram Reserve Champion Open Medium Ewe Champion Medium Ram Reserve Champion Medium Ewe Champion Open Strong Ram Champion Strong Wool Ram Most Valuable Fine/Medium Ewe/Wether Fleece Auchen Dhu, Walcha Grand Champion Fleece One Oak/One Oak Poll, Jerilderie Best Exhibit of Three Merino Sheep Champion March Shorn Fine Ram Res Champion Open Fine/Medium Wool Ewe Champion March Shorn Fine/Medium Poll Ram Champion March Shorn Medium Poll Ram Reserve Champion Medium Poll Ram Bocoble/Bocoble Poll, Mudgee Grand Champion Superfine Merino Ewe Champion Superfine Ewe Champion Open Superfine Ewe Champion March Shorn Superfine Ram Champion Ultrafine Poll Ewe ** Res Champion Aug Shorn Superfine Poll Ram Res Champion Aug Shorn Superfine Poll Ewe * Champion Superfine March Shorn Poll Ram ** Reserve Champion Superfine Poll Ram * Reserve Champion Superfine Poll Ewe Champion August Shorn Fine Poll Ewe Champion Fine Poll Ewe Roseville Park/Roseville Park Poll, Dubbo Reserve Champion Fine/Medium Wool Ram Res Champion Open Fine/Medium Wool Ram Champion August Shorn Fine Wool Poll Ram Reserve Champion Aug Shorn Fine Poll Ram Champion Fine Poll Ram Reserve Champion Fine Poll Ram Lyndon, Guyra Reserve Grand Champion Fleece Roxanna, Balladoran Champion August Shorn Medium Poll Ram Champion Medium Poll Ram Reserve Champion Ultrafine Ewe Reserve Champion Open Ultrafine Ewe Champion March Shorn Ultrafine Ram Champion March Shorn Ultrafine Ewe * Champion Unhoused Ultrafine Ewe Champion Unhoused Superfine Ewe Uardry & Sims Uardry, Hay Champion March Shorn Medium Ewe Australian Champion All Purpose Ram ** Champion March Shorn Strong Wool Ram ** Reserve Champion Strong Wool Ram Borambil, Balldale Reserve Champion Restricted Superfine Ram Res Champion Restricted Fine/Medium Ram *** Edithvale, Finley Champion Fine Wool Unhoused Ewe Champion Medium Wool Unhoused Ewe Merryville, Boorowa Champion March Shorn Fine Wool Ewe Reserve Champion Open Superfine Wool Ewe Auchen Dhu Park, Enmore via Uralla Reserve Champion Ultrafine Ram Reserve Champion Open Ultrafine Wool Ram * Bullamalita, Goulburn Champion Ultrafine Wool Poll Ram Wanganella, Deniliquin Champion March Shorn Medium Ram Royalla, Wallendbeen Reserve Champion Fine Merino Ewe Reserve Champion Open Fine Merino Ewe * = consecutive year award Australian Merino Ram Sale Roseville Park, Dubbo - Sale s top-price, $0,000 Merryville - Second top-price, $,000 Borambil, Balldale - Third top-price, $7000 Merryville, Boorowa, Fourth top-price, $6500 Nerstane, Woolbrook - Sixth top-price, $6000 President s Message (Continued from page ) displayed by some has given great fuel to animal rights groups in Europe and America. Just when we needed a united front, press and radio portrayed the opposite with an amount of help from within our industry. The stud and Merino industry must always remain separate from and above the individual or it will surely crumble. Remember, some media are great merchants at presenting their own agenda at any cost and I have no idea why the stud and wool industry is firmly in their sights. Please be proactive and positive - the industry needs and demands it - we produce the cleanest and greenest of the world s mass produced fibres and we must at all times let the world know that we are responsible in caring for our animals and we always adopt world s best practice. The AWI position is clear - they are developing products such as clips, intradermal injections, the silver bullet injection and are researching breeding methodology as the end of 00 approaches. Importantly, and with agreement from European end users and marketers, wool producers can continue to mules (with pain relief) until such time as a viable alternative is available. I believe that this industry can now go forward with confidence knowing exactly where we stand without division and grandstanding. I wish you all an excellent ram selling season and just the required amount of rain. Once again my special thanks to Carol, Mae and Carol-Ann. Robert Lindsay President NSW SMBA 8 NSW Merino Breeders - Breeders of the Modern Merino