The Top Sire Merino Enterprise Profits Key findings of a recent report commissioned by Meat & Livestock Australia are renewing optimism among Australia's sheep and wool producers, according to newly elected president of the NSW Stud Merino Breeders' Association (SMBA), Kim Henderson. Mr Henderson said that the Economic Analysis of Sheep Production Systems by consultants, Hassall and Associates, has reinforced the belief he shares with members of his association in the economic viability of the Modern Merino over other farming enterprises. These findings complement those of Holmes Sackett & Associates released last year as Economic and Situation Analysis of the Australian Sheep Industry, a report jointly commissioned by MLA and AWI. The report concluded that "the profitability of sheep flocks, be they predominantly for meat, wool or a combination of both, is likely to be very competitive to other broadacre enterprises coming out of the drought." Mr Henderson's remarks coincided with the launch during May of "Merino Milestones" which, at fortnightly intervals in The Land, aims to further highlight the gross margin advantages of Modern Merino enterprises. "I believe that the future for Merino sheep and wool in all categories is very bright. Modern Merinos bred by commercially focused, progressive sheep breeders are meeting the exacting requirements of fertility, wool quality and carcass characteristics." "Genetic gain has been very rapid since the demise of the Reserve Price Scheme. Experienced observers described the display of Merino sheep and fleeces as 'the best-ever' at this year's Royal Easter Show." Mr Henderson concluded, "In the medium and longer term, I believe that producers who have stuck with quality woolled Merinos will be in the box seat. I suspect that the introduction of other breeds may return short-term gain for long-term pain." Kim Henderson takes SMBA Reins New president of the SMBA, Kim Henderson, joined the SMBA Council in 1997. Since then he has served on and chaired several association subcommittees and is well known as an association spokesperson on OJD issues. Following his election at the association's April AGM, Mr Henderson said, "As new chairman I feel honoured but also humbled to join legendary industry names such as Kater, Litchfield, Merriman and Falkiner. The Henderson family's Grogansworth Merino Stud was founded in 1985. Presently they have 550 stud ewes and run a self-replacing flock of 10,000 sheep on 1370 ha. On the association's future, Mr Henderson said, "We have been side-tracked from the big picture by correctly supporting our members and fellow producers through the OJD debacle of the last six to seven years. "We will regain the initiative in vigorously promoting the Modern Merino. We will forge closer links with commercial producers and remove the 'mystique' that may still surround the association. "The association's voice will grow much stronger and we must be more politically aware. Closer links with, for example, AWI, NSW Farmers and Government are paramount in developing new vibrancy and enthusiasm to attract young people to the industry at all levels; to assist Australians to again realise and understand the critical importance of the industry to the national economy; and to improve and increase the production of wool in an environmentally responsible manner - a natural fibre for the 21st century. Kim Henderson can be contacted by phone or fax on (02) 6227 6085 January - June 2004 Proudly sponsored by THE TOP SIRE The Newsletter of the NSW Stud Merino Breeders' Association Ltd A.B.N. 95 002 659 896 A.C.N. 002 659 896 The Australian Merino Centre Locked Bag 4317 Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 Phone: (02) 9763 2744 Fax: (02) 9763 1878 E-mail: office@s.com.au Editor Carol-Ann Malouf Public Relations Officer NSW Stud Merino Breeders' Association Ltd PO Box 320 Condobolin NSW 2877 Phone: (02) 6895 2274 Fax: (02) 6895 2339 E-mail: maloufca@westserv.net.au Printed by Dobija Design & Publishing Phone: (02) 6964 5093 www.nsw.com.au 1
Dark and/or Medullated Fibre Risk (DMFR) Protecting Australia's Merino industry All Australian woolgrowers should be aware that the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) has recently approved a recommendation that a Dark and/or Medullated Fibre Risk (DMFR) scheme for Australian Merino wool be recognised in its Core Test Regulations from 1 July 2004. This voluntary scheme has been instigated to protect the reputation of Australia's premium "white" Merino wool industry This allows inclusion of the Risk Level on AWTA Ltd Core Test Certificates and AWEX has been approached to facilitate inclusion in sale catalogues. The DMFR scheme will provide: * Merino woolgrowers with increased ability to inform processors that their Australian Merino wool is not contaminated by dark and medullated fibres, and * Customers with increased confidence that your Australian Merino wool will meet their requirements. DMFR Test Fee Slashed AWTA Ltd has announced that the presale fee for the DMFT will be slashed from $150 (+ GST) to $39.70 (+ GST). There will also be no increase in general raw wool testing fees in 2004/05. Announcing these decisions, managing director, Michael Jackson said, "This is good news for the Australian wool industry. At a time when some recovery in production seems to be occurring, a zero general fee increase will assist those wool growers who are rebuilding their wool growing enterprises." Commenting on the DMFR Test Mr Jackson said, "The significant reduction of the fee for this service is opportune because it will be implemented at the same time as the Dark Fibre Risk Scheme." Mr Jackson said, "A full suite of activities will now be available to protect the reputation of Australia's 'white Merino wool'. "The DMFR Scheme will enable growers to declare that they have followed best practice in their animal husbandry and clip preparation." Welcome... to the following NSW studs, registered to date in 2004: OAKEY MOUNT Flock 5000 MM& HMSeaman, 1932 The Bridle Track, Duramana * KAMBALA Flock 5001 PR&REBlomfield,"Kambala",Walcha * MT BUFFALO Flock 5007 CH& LMBanks, "Mt Buffalo", Wargeila Road, Yass * KIROB Flock 5006 KD& RACartwright,"Thalaba Downs", Laggan * ROGARA POLL Poll Flock 1317 "Rogara", Goulburn * MANDERVILLE POLL Poll Flock 1323 M J & C A Coddington, "Glenwood", Dubbo The NSW Stud Directory 2004 The NSW Stud Directory 2004 (pictured), released earlier this year, is a 36-page, conveniently sized booklet which contains contact details for the 510 registered NSW Merino studs. Copies can be obtained from NSW SMBA executive director, Carol King on office@s.com.au or ph (02) 9763 2744 2 Keep an eye out for www.nsw.com.au
mer no Key influences on world wool market by Stephanie Lowe Analyst, Food and Agribusiness Research, Rabobank Current demand and supply fundamentals, driven by currency movements, textile growth, economic health of key consuming regions and relative profitability of wool operations, are not showing any clear direction as to where the wool market is likely to head in the short to medium term. While early indications are that retail apparel consumption is improving and the price competitiveness of wool relative to other fibres has returned to long term averages, prices have continued to move within a small band over the six months, to May 2004. Excess capacity (although this has improved slightly during the first quarter of 2004) for early stage processors, significant semi-process wool stocks held by mills and adverse currency movements have been the key impediments to stronger demand for wool, despite wool sitting at 50 year lows. Latest official forecasts for Australian wool production in the 2003-04 year, indicate production will be down 10 per cent on the previous year to 450 million kg (mkg), a slight improvement on previous forecasts despite lingering drought conditions in parts of NSW. The outlook for 2004/05 is for a 4 per cent rise to 470 kg indicating that supply may have bottomed. This is the first rise in production in 14 years and is being driven by improved cuts/head and stronger opening flock numbers in line with better grower conditions. In addition to the abovementioned variables, the key element to understand in the wool market for now and the future is China. The development of the Chinese textile market has seen it become the dominant player in the global wool industry. China is the largest consumer of wool globally, as well as the third largest producer of raw wool. Although wool imports to China from Australia by volume have fallen by 20 per cent over the last year, the strength of China's position in the wool demand matrix was cemented late last year, when it became the largest consumer of Australian wool for all micron categories. Of particular note was China passing Italy in 2003 in having the largest market share for 19 micron and finer wool. China's role for future wool consumption cannot be under-estimated - its market share for Australian wool exports for the season to March 2004 was over 39 per cent. Whilst a large proportion is semi-processed to be reexported to spinning and weaving in other countries, a significant amount of Australian wool is also purchased to blend with the coarser grown wool of China, which tends to be 22 micron and over. The International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) is of the opinion that China could potentially build its capacity to control 75 per cent of world textile production. This does raise concerns, not only due to an acute reliance upon one market, but also because of the buying behaviour of the region. Chinese buyers are known to alter buying patterns, as their ability to pay higher prices for raw wool has been restricted by tighter margins further along the value chain. Buyers have sought wool from smaller wool producing regions such as Argentina and South Africa at a lower cost to wool from Australia. Additionally, Chinese buyers have dealt with the fluctuating price of wool in the Australian market, caused by shifting currencies and supply volumes through indent pricing (simply sitting behind the market). Going forward, the market will see stronger buying at market prices from China if it is confident of improved market conditions and a permanent recovery in retail demand, not only domestically but also from important wool consuming countries such as US and Europe. There are suggestions that the Chinese wool industry may, in late 2004 through to 2005, expand its combing capacity. Whilst some of the facilities will be new plants, others will be built from acquisition of plants from other regions, which are finding it difficult to compete (including Australia). This is reliant upon the outcome of the recent announcement by the Chinese government to limit credit lines to the textile industry. In an attempt to cool investment in the economy, the focus had initially been on the industrial and construction industries but has now incorporated textiles. How this may affect greasy wool trading will depend on whether imports are exempt and what the impact is upon processing operations. Contact your nearest branch on 1300 30 30 33 Geoff Rayner, Pomanara, Sally s Flat with his champion sale ram at this year s Goulburn Great Southern show with Rabobank s Richard Wilson and Michael White. Photo courtesy Southern Weekly Magazine Rabobank National Merino Ram Show & Sale, Dubbo 24-26 August 2004 3
Sydney Sheep Show Grand Champions ULTRAFINE Grand Champion Ultrafine Wool Merino Ram Emoh Ruo, Bundarra Grand Champion Ultrafine Wool Merino Ewe Greenland, Nimmitabel Grathlyn, Hargraves SUPERFINE Grand Champion Superfine Wool Merino Ram Westvale, Wollun Grand Champion Superfine Wool Merino Ewe Westvale, Wollun Grathlyn, Hargraves FINE Grand Champion Fine Wool Merino Ram Emoh Ruo, Bundarra Grand Champion Fine Wool Merino Ewe Emoh Ruo, Bundarra FINE MEDIUM Grand Champion Fine Medium Merino Ram Towalba, Peak Hill Egelabra, Warren Grand Champion Fine Medium Merino Ewe Wantana, Boorowa Nerstane, Woolbrook MEDIUM Grand Champion Medium Wool Merino Ram Wanganella, Deniliquin Grand Champion Medium Wool Merino Ewe Langdene, Dunedoo STRONG Grand Champion Strong Wool Merino Ram Goolgumbla, Jerilderie Grand Champion Strong Wool Merino Ewe POLL MERINO Grand Champion Poll Merino Ram Roxanna, Birriwa Grand Champion Poll Merino Ewe Willandra Poll, Jerilderie AUGUST & MARCH SHORN CHAMPIONS Champion August Shorn Ram Champion August Shorn Ewe Auchen Dhu Park, Uralla Champion March Shorn Ram Champion March Shorn Ewe Champion August Shorn Poll Ram Old Cobran, Deniliquin Champion August Shorn Poll Ewe Barrackville, Yass Champion March Shorn Poll Ram Roxanna, Birriwa Champion March Shorn Poll Ewe Willandra Poll, Jerilderie 2004 Shows The Supreme Exhibits The Schute Bell Badgery Lumby Trophy SUPREME MERINO EXHIBIT RAS of NSW Awards Best Merino Ram Best Merino Ewe The Tom Culley Award Best Junior Merino Exhibit of the Show Langdene, Dunedoo The Stonehaven Cup Best Exhibit of Five Merino Sheep, 3 rams & 2 ewes Westvale, Wollun Emoh Ruo, Bundarra The Bruce Merriman Memorial Prize Best Exhibit of Five August Shorn Merino or Poll Merino Sheep Pemcaw, Dunedoo Winyar, Canowindra The Otway Falkiner Cup Best Exhibit of Five Poll Merino Sheep, 3 rams & 2 ewes Barrackville, Yass Quamby Park, Walcha Glenleigh, Yass NSW State Finalist 2004 - National Merino Pair of the Year Competition The Most Successful Exhibitors The Sir Walter Merriman Memorial Prize Most Successful Exhibitor in Open Superfine and Fine Wool Classes The Mungadal Award Most Successful Exhibitor in Medium and Strong Classes, Merino or Poll The Sir Frederick McMaster Memorial Trophy Most Successful Exhibitor in Merino Section other than Superfine, Extra Strong, Poll Merino and August Shorn The Schute Bell Trophy Most Successful Exhibitor in August Shorn Merino Sheep Section Most Successful Exhibitor in August Shorn Poll Merino Sheep Quamby Park, Walcha Most Successful Exhibitor in March Shorn Poll Merino Sheep Roxanna, Birriwa RAS/ASC Merino Sheep State Judging Final 2004 1 Matt Bunyan, Booligal 2 Craig White, Walgett RAS/ASC Merino Fleece State Judging Final 2004 1 Sarah Mortimer, Walcha 2 Timothy Robinson, Grenfell 4 Sydney Sheep Show 2005 ~ 16-19 March
and Sales mer no The Supreme Exhibit in Sydney and Goulburn from the Davis family's Demondrille stud, Murrumburrah, displayed by Andrew and Patrick Davis. The Privett family's Glenleigh, Yass, exhibited the champion August shorn ram at this year's Goulburn event, held above right by Graham Privett. SYDNEY SUCCESSES: Boonoke's Bruce Merriman prize winning team which includes the NSW Pair, is shown by Bill Newton, James Osborne, Jim Coward, Jocelyn Harriage and Angus Munro. Great Southern Goulburn Supreme Exhibit Grand Champion Ram Ram Grand Champion Ewe Ewe Grathlyn, Hargraves Supreme Poll Merino Exhibit Roxanna, Birriwa Grand Champion Sale Ram Pomanara, Sallys Flat Res. Grand Champion Sale Ram Group 3 Sale Rams March Group, 2 Rams & 2 Ewes August Group, 2 Rams & 2 Ewes Grogansworth, Bowning Champion March Shorn Ram Champion August Shorn Ram Glenleigh, Yass Champion March Shorn Ewe Champion August Shorn Ewe Grogansworth, Bowning Most Successful Exhibitor - Open Most Successful - Restricted Royalla, Wallendbeen Goulburn Ram Sale 2004 Vendor Summary Stud Sold Top Average MERRYVILLE, Boorowa 24 18,000 4041 DEMONDRILLE, Harden 4 3400 1900 AVONSWORTH, Gunning 2 2750 2750 MERRIGNEE, Boorowa 8 2700 1975 BARRACKVILLE, Yass 7 3200 1800 STILLBROOK, Crookwell 2 3000 2000 WINROCK, Gunning 3 2400 1567 TARA PARK, Boorowa 2 2100 1550 WINYAR, Canowindra 4 2100 1233 WOOLAROO, Yass 2 1600 1600 POMANARA, Sallys Flat 2 1600 1600 PEJAR, Goulburn 2 1400 1000 GLENLEIGH, Yass 8 1500 886 LOST RIVER, Crookwell 3 1400 1100 BILLA BURRA BURRA, Yass 1 600 600 CONRAYN, Berridale 3 900 700 OTTERBOURNE, Yass 2 800 (2) 800 BONTARA, Gundagai 2 1000 750 OLD COBRAN, Deniliquin 2 800 800 ROCKDALE, Canowindra 2 700 650 Totals 70 $18,000 $2191.00 E&OE Guy Evans of Tara Park, Boorowa holds the stud's Best Ewe of this year's Sydney Royal. GOULBURN TOP PRICE The top priced ram of Merryville is held by Wal Merriman, pictured with Victorian buyers, Michael Collins, Mt Bute, Linton, and Ian and William Plush, Kerrsville, Coleraine. Photos Page 5, courtesy Southern Weekly Magazine - ph: 02 6921 6977 5
mer Merino Milestones This year's Supreme Merino at the Royal Easter Show from the Davis family's Demondrille stud, Murrumburrah, has been blade shorn, cutting 13 kg of 16.9 micron wool. Since winning grand champion superfine March shorn in its first showing in Bendigo last July the ram went on to take the Supreme award at all outings since - Goulburn, Canberra and Sydney. Barry and Gavin Walker, "Ledgerton", Yass recently sold 4000 superfine ewes at $125 per head for use as the buyer's foundation breeding flock. The Octobershorn mixed-ages ewes were sold in lamb in a deal brokered by Landmark Copeland Medway, Yass. In the Merino S.A. National Progeny Testing Program, coveted Gold Merit Status has been awarded to a Ringmaster sire from Merryville stud, Boorowa. Ringmaster progeny were subjected to visual and measurable traits and the sire's superior breeding values calculated on a BLUP sire model. Since 1984, only 282 rams have been awarded this status. Export quality fat Merino lambs have been topping from $103 to $113 at Forbes Midstate sales during June. At one of these, Tony and Rhonda Milgate, "Rockvale", Parkes, sold a pen of Haddon Rig blood 1 year-old off shears that topped at $107.60. The next week, Peter and Marcia Wienke, "Kurrajong Vale", Girral, sold lambs dressing 23 kg to a record $113. Livestock agent, Geoff Chandler of Kevin Miller & Co, said "in the last 10 years we have seen some tremendous strategies employed by Merino breeders - those who breed a self replacing Merino flock can do a magnificent job with their Merino wether lambs. Last week, Merino lambs, only just making tradeweight, but supplementary fed on grain, made up to $90 with an average weight of only 19.5 kg." At Wagga Wagga the same week, Neil Roberson, "Fairview", Mangoplah sold 100 lambs, July/August '03 drop, March shorn ($15 wool cut), Ninuenook blood, for $129. Mick and Wendy Inder, "Wattle Grove", Dunedoo sold July/August '03 drop wethers, off shears, at Dunedoo on 9 June topping at $100 to average $93 to Southern Meats, estimated to dress 24 kg. On Langdene blood, the lambs cut a 5.2 kg average of 19 micron wool. Jon and Colleen L'Estrange, "Inglewood", Condobolin, winners of the Condobolin and Central West ewe competitions, cut an average of 10.1 kg for the 535 head at the flock's March shearing. Late last year the one-year-old culls from the winning drop fetched $144, the pen of 275 Genanegie blood ewes topping the local breeders surplus sale. Tough new Rural Crime Laws Wool, Hide and Skin Dealers Act 2004 Criminals in the wool, hide and skin trade are the target of new laws recently passed through the NSW Parliament. The Wool, Hide and Skin Dealers Act 2004 will tighten regulation of the industry, protecting the interests of the State's farming communities and honest traders. In announcing the new laws, Minister for Police John Watkins said, "The new laws will clean up the industry, making it easier for police to track stolen stock and goods, and lock up the criminals responsible. "Our Pastoral and Agricultural Crime Working Party recommended the new laws, which were the subject of extensive industry consultation last year. The Act brings this area of rural law enforcement into the 21st Century, replacing legislation that was almost 70 years old." The new laws will commence in September in agreement with the industry and these changes will transfer administration of licences from the courts to NSW Police and ensure that: Dealers in wool, sheep and cattle skins and hides are licensed Licensees pass checks on age, capability, and criminal and financial history Licensees keep detailed records of suppliers (individuals and companies), and Licences are renewed every three years. The Working Party's contribution to rural law and order reform has included the deployment and training of 33 Rural Crime Investigators (RCIs) across 26 Local Area Commands. "Police tell me our RCIs are continuing to make in-roads into rural crime across the State, achieving several major stock theft victories recently," Mr Watkins said. "But there's more to be done in the fight against rural crime, and the Working Party will continue in 2004." Further information: Bron Steel, Senior Rural Crime Program Officer, NSW Police, ph (02) 8835 9135 or your local Rural Crime Investigator. Rural Crime Investigators cast an admiring eye over Demondrille s Supreme Champion of this year s Sydney Sheep Show AWI 7th World Merino Conference- Perth 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) 9384 6466 Fax: (08) 9384 2606 Email: smbawa@bigpond.com 6 NSW Merinos - Proven Genetics
Your Say... Barry Walker Ledgerton Merino Stud, Yass Wool market in general. The wool market from a growers' point of view is, historically, a cyclical market. Various issues affect the market, supply and demand being the basic one, but there are also world levels of economic activity and the world has been in a very constricted economic position since 9/11, and even before that. Woolgrowers have also had a very difficult decade since the demise of the Floor Price. We have had two wool markets - one is the undersupply of medium to broader microns which has been in short supply since the dissolution of the stockpile. The prices have slipped somewhat but those wools have received a relatively better price than fine wools over the last two years. On the other hand, the finer wool types have been oversupplied in that time, partly due to drought and partly as a result of breeding programs. There has also been a difference in fine wool due to artificial (drought) hunger fine wools of poor quality but low micron. So, the market is not all that complicated when looked at in these terms. Where we are at the moment. The fact that new frontiers can be reached for fine wool, and are being aggressively pursued, is a positive thing for the industry both at the grower level and the processor-to-retail level that holds some promise for the future. There is demand here to produce good quality wools and I think we will find that the cyclical factor will start to kick in and we'll see a resurgence in demand for wool downstream, particularly fine, but for all wool. The global market. I have just returned from Europe and it was very interesting to see that, although confidence is still shaky in the processing world, many of the large processors are receiving more orders and are at least running their mills for a greater number of hours per week than they were 12 months ago. I don't think margins are any better, and therefore profits are not yet showing up, but it was very encouraging to see more throughput from the mills and sufficient orders to keep the mills rolling, albeit at a price reduction. So, I think we are seeing the start of some cyclical-type recovery. Many pundits would also hold that view. On China and America. The Chinese are certainly taking a lot of drought affected fine wool and appear to be seeking them out at current prices. The Europeans still have, and I believe will continue to have, a market for well grown sound wools at all micron levels. Many in the industry are hopeful that the American economy may build on the early signs of recovery because it is a very large wealthy market which has been considerably depressed since 9/11. If confidence levels continue to improve in the United States then that will hopefully flow through to the purchase of more garments at retail and increased recovery. Barry Walker, a director of The Woolmark Company has also held numerous other agricultural, community and local Government positions. Breeding Merinos on his Ledgerton stud at Yass, he is also a partner in Highlander Farm from whom Loro Piana recently purchased the world's finest bale of Merino wool, the third time Highlander Farm has been eligible for Loro Piana's World Wool Record Challenge Cup to be decided in December. Highlander Farm has won this cup twice since inception in 2000. Sheep Brand Contamination Sheep Brand Contamination - a lasting problem Despite the specification in the "AWEX Code of Practice - The Woolclasser", that any wool with sheep branding or marking stains must be removed from all other wool, buyers and processors are still finding problems with unscourable colour from livestock brands in the Australian wool clip. The requirement to remove wool containing brands and correctly identify those lines, comes from the wool processing industry. It has been noted that colour from the branding of sheep, as it is often applied, is not scourable and is causing great problems, with even one small portion of contamination sufficient for the entire lot to be downgraded/discounted. This wool must be removed regardless of: the product used the amount of brand present when it was applied to the sheep how weathered the brand may appear, or regardless of any statement on the packaging of the product. All woolclassers are requested to be more vigilant in preventing contamination resulting from brands and marking agents on wool. Expressing dissatisfaction with the preparation standard of good carding wool, buyers and processors have informed AWEX that more and more coloured marks resulting from brands that are not being properly removed during classing are being found to contaminate otherwise clean wool. One wool buyer noted, "Contamination from brands is not only a problem in top lines but also in carding types. All possible steps should be taken to prevent sheep brands from contaminating the clip in the shearing shed. This includes classing branded wool in one line in accordance with the "AWEX Code of Practice - The Woolclasser", encouraging wool producers to use branding fluid on sheep stock only where necessary, and ensuring any branding occurs with a light application according to product directions. Synthetic fibres do not have the quality (contamination) problems associated with greasy or processed wool. We must protect our wonderful and unique product. If the Woolclasser observes brands within the wool during skirting and classing, they must remove the contaminated portion and segregate it to a "BRANDS" line and mark the bale as "BRANDS" only. If there is insufficient wool to make up a bale of brands, then the contaminated wool should be placed in the Bulk Class bale. It is very important that a bale of sheep brand contaminated wool is pressed up and only branded as "BRANDS", and nothing else. Note: The current Code of Practice is being updated to clarify the requirement to separate and remove sheep brands during wool preparation. For more information, woolclassers, brokers, or growers should contact AWEX on ph (02) 9428 6100, or Email: woolclasser@awex.com.au NSW Merinos - Reliable Bloodlines 7
mer Riverina Merino Ram Preview Narrandera in September The Riverina Stud Merino Field Days Association has a new president, David Taylor (right), co-principal of Pooginook stud, Jerilderie, who was elected at the group's AGM earlier this year. This enthusiastic group's priority is to organise the annual Merino displays and Ram Preview which this year will move to the Narrandera Race Club. The Open Day on Friday, 10 September, is designed to allow commercial sheep breeders the opportunity to learn more about the productivity and benefits of the Riverina Merino breed. It will also present the opportunity to view the best of the rams to be sold during the Riverina Merinos' on-property September Spring Ram Sale Calendar. David Taylor says the group is pleased with the location chosen for this year's event, "The town of Narrandera is in close proximity to the sheep/wheat belt, allowing us to take our sheep to the clients, and the Narrandera Race Club has top facilities to provide a good day out for visitors to overview the best stock from all the Riverina Studs. "Visitors to the September Ram Preview will see the finest breeding stock from thirty studs and see first hand why there is money in the Riverina Merino and its winning trifecta traits, - fibre, frame fertility. The breed offers a dependable history of wool cutters, meat producers and robust, big-framed replacement ewes with an unmatched fertility record." Further information: Wendy Spencer, executive secretary RSMFDA, ph (02) 6959 1180 or email: wendy@riverina.com.au. For free newsletter service visit www.riverina.com.au Ewe Beaut SMBA Medallion to Best in the Central West An association bronze medallion has been awarded to the winners of the 5th annual Central West PA&H Association Merino Ewe Competition, Jon and Colleen L'Estrange, "Inglewood", Condobolin. As winners of Condobolin's Don Brown Memorial Ewe Competition in February, the L'Estranges became eligible, along with winners of the Parkes, Trundle and Peak Hill competitions, to contest this title. Judges, Cooma-based sheep classer, John Williams and Rob Lindsay, Cora Lynn stud, Peak Hill complimented Jon and Colleen on their very well grown and even mob of ewes that showed great bold wool and depth of body. Jon L'Estrange said that their aim is to produce heavy cutting Merinos with high lambing percentage to capitalise on surplus sheep sales. The flock must not be too complicated and must fit in with the Inglewood cropping programme. "We're after large frames, quick maturing for the lamb market, good woolcutters and overall, sheep that suit our environment", he said. The flock's lambing percentages of 99.5 and 120 per cent over the last two years have been achieved on half the average rainfall and from the complete drop of 1485 ewes, June-July drop 2002, 517 were retained. The March-shorn flock is classed by Barry Crouch, "Milby", Condobolin. Runners-up in the group competition were Greg and Chris Burke, "The Kars", Yarrabandai, winners of Trundle's competition with their Pooginook/ Condomar/ Kirks blood ewes classed by Tom Kirk, "West Borambil", Condobolin. The SMBA medallion was presented to Colleen and Jon L'Estrange (pictured below) by NSW SMBA vice president, Rob Lindsay. Feeding the key in Peak Hill ewe comp In late February, the 13th annual Merino ewe hogget competition conducted by the Peak Hill Branch of NSW Farmers was judged by Barry Crouch, "Milby", Condobolin and Henry Armstrong, Pemcaw, Dunedoo. First place was awarded to biodynamic farmers, Ray and Judi Unger, "Waratah", Peak Hill. The Westray blood flock classed by Ray Cannon, "Westray", Peak Hill showed little sign of a drought year with outstanding staple length and very little dust penetration. Ray Unger expected the flock to cut approx 8 kg of 20.5 micron wool. He depends heavily on sheep to control weeds on fallows in his biodynamic farming system. They must ensure that they carry sufficient fodder as it is almost impossible for a biodynamic farm to source properly certified hay and grain for stock feed. This has been a successful strategy. The sheep have been fed very little in the past twelve months and Ray and Judi have been able to sell hay and grain. Runners-up were James and Lesley Jelbart, "Penryn", Peak Hill for their Westray blood flock. The flock were well grown and capable of excellent wool cuts. Ian and Julie Westcott, "Inglenook", Peak Hill were awarded third place. Their Tara Park/Manderville/Kiah blood flock achieved an exceptional marking percentage of 150 per cent. Ian said good January- February rain provided excellent stands of lucerne for a March joining. Best short wool entry went to Glenn and Christine Pugh, "Gundongs", Tomingley for their Roseville Park blood flock. 8 NSW Merino Breeders - Breeders of the Modern Merino