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Newsletter of The NSW Stud Merino Breeders’ Association July - December 2009

The Top SireLangdene’s Australian SupremeFor seven of the fifteen years of the Australian Supreme Merino Ram award the title has been won by the Supreme NSW ram and this year the honours went, for the second consecutive year, to the NSW finalist.

In what has been an outstanding year for the Dunedoo-based Langdene stud of Garry and Sonya (pictured right), Gordon and Colleen Cox, Langdene 4073 has been on a winning run since securing the title of champion August-shorn fine wool ram at this year’s Great Southern Supreme Merinos Show in Canberra. Then followed supreme at Dunedoo Show in April, grand champion fine wool ram in Sydney and supreme Merino at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo in July.

No surprise then that the 6-tooth, 17-micron ram appealed to judges at this year’s Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show in Dubbo. Sired by Nerstane 43 and a daughter of Langdene 3219, the 2-year-old weighed in at 144 kg and stood out for his very bulky, stylish wool and deep body.

The 17-micron champion has since cut 13½ kg and, with his showing days behind him, will be retained in the stud.

Other State finalists for the title of 2009 Rabobank Australian Supreme Ram were Angenup, Kojonup (WA); North Ashrose, Gulnare (SA); Oakbank, St Arnaud (Vic); Mt Ascot, Mitchell (Qld); and Leenavale, Sorell (Tas).

Nerstane 43’s genetics were the talk of Dubbo with another of his progeny topping the sale at $29,000 for the McLaren family of Nerstane, Woolbrook.

Syndicate buyers were Hamish and Georgina Wallace, Trefusis, Ross, Tas; Geoff and Diane Notman, Mount Widderin, Skipton, Vic; Jock MacRae, Eilan Donan, Elphinstone, Vic; the Allen family, Denholm Green, Hexham, Vic; and the Von Bibras of Beaufront, Ross, Tas.

The ram, N59, tested at 18.9-micron, is a full embryo transfer brother to the Nerstane ram which sold to Uruguayan interests for the $14,000 second top-price at this year’s Armidale Housed Sale.

Photo courtesy The Land

National LeadersFour excellent potential leaders from NSW have been selected to participate in the third biennial National Leadership Course to be conducted in Clare, SA in February. Each State Merino association is a co-sponsor of the course and session delivery is by Rural Directions.

The aspiring leaders from NSW, Amelia Wyatt, Erin Rush, David Weir and Alan McCormack, not only share a passion for the Merino but also listed similar issues that they perceive to be the most critical facing the industry - wool prices, lice, marketing and the mulesing issue being paramount as well as a diminishing ewe flock and lack of basic demand for wool.

All anticipated that the course will provide a platform for increasing their knowledge of the Merino industry, voicing their concerns and hopes for the future and improving their communication, leadership and decision-making skills while meeting with like-minded individuals.

(Continued on page 2)

2010 AASMB Trade Mission to Europe

incorporating the

8th World Merino Conference3 - 5 May 2010

Rambouillet - France

• Pre Conference Programme departs 22 April • Conference only Programme departs 1 May

• Post Conference Programme (Italy) • Post Conference Programme (Germany/Romania)

For detailed itinerary and bookings contact:

Barbara Le Masle, Quadrant Australia , ph 1300 301 128Email: barbara.lemasle@quadrantaustralia.com

www.quadrantaustralia.com

Great Southern Supreme Merinos - Canberra - 23 to 25 January 20102

National Leaders

Amelia Wyatt, 23, has been at Avenel Merino stud, Wanganella, for two years and 12 months ago was

promoted to stud overseer. During 2006-2007 she completed an Advanced Diploma of Agriculture at Longerenong Agricultural College, Horsham and, as her prize for winning the Riverina Merino Young Ambassador of the Year award in 2008, has recently completed the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Course.

Erin Rush, 24, is a second-year jillaroo at Haddon Rig Merino stud, Warren. Her involvement in all aspects of work on the property includes taking the stud’s show team to various shows. Erin is also a member of the Warren Show Society and sees benefit in displaying sheep at such fixtures giving the industry a showcase to a wider audience.

David Weir, 25, of “Bertangles”, Yass is currently employed as a station-hand on Bogo Merino stud as well as on his family property which annually joins 4000 ewes to Merino rams and on a nearby property, joining 6000 ewes. On conclusion of his schooling, David completed a Diploma in Agribusiness at Marcus

Oldham College and then spent two years working on a sheep property in WA.

Alan McCormack, 26, is studmaster of Walwa Merino stud, Gunning as well as overseeing an 8000-head commercial flock. A Merino steward at Crookwell Show and a member of the Great Southern Supreme Merinos committee, this year he was also elected to the Council of the NSW Stud Merino Breeders Association. With extensive judging commit-ments under his belt, this year Alan added Canberra Royal and the Australian Sheep & Wool Show, Bendigo to his resume and in 2010 will judge at the Sheep Show at the Royal Easter Show.

(Continued from page 1)

2010SYDNEY ROYAL SHEEP & FLEECE

111th Sydney Sheep Show

Thursday 8 April - Sunday 11 April 2010Venue - Bruce Pavilion

- MERINOS & POLL MERINOS -Mid-Side Sampling 11 to 22 January 2010Arrivals Thursday 8 April by 10 a.m. Inspections Thursday 8 April - on arrival and from 8.00 a.m. to 12 noon

Judging TimetableThursday 8 April from 1.00 p.m. NSW Merino Pair of the Year & Junior Classes Friday 9 April from 8.00 a.m.

All other classes followed by Grand Champions, Best Ram, Best Ewe, Supreme Merino

Saturday 10 April from 10.00 a.m. Bruce Merriman Memorial Trophy, Otway Falkiner Cup and Stonehaven CupJudging of Merino Objective Measurement Class

Sunday 11 April from 2.30 p.m. Official Opening and Prize Presentation

RAS/ASC State Merino Judging Competition Saturday 10 April from 8.00 a.m. RAS/ASC State Merino Fleece Judging Comp Sunday 11 April from 8.00 a.m.

Sunday 11 April from 5.00 p.m. Departures

- FLEECES -Delivery of Fleeces to RAS By Friday 26 February 2010Fleece Judging Wednesday 7 April 2010

Sheep and Fleece Entries Close Wednesday 17 February 2010

Merino Sheep & Fleece ScheduleThe Merino Sheep & Fleece Schedule for the 111th

Sydney Sheep Show is now available on-line atwww.eastershow.com.au

Copies will only be mailed on request.For Schedules and further information contact:Pat Cooper, RAS Sheep Section Coordinator

ph (02) 9704 1227, fax (02) 9704 1122email pcooper@rasnsw.com.au RAS of NSW Locked Bag 4317

Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127

Copies also available at GSSM, Canberra

mantra PARRAMATTA

Reservations - 2010 Sydney Sheep ShowPhone: 02 9685 1600

Group Booking Name NSW Stud Merino 2010Group Confirmation No 806595 (To be quoted)

Further details in the “Members Bulletin”

Producers of the world’s most versatile and unique fibre ... MERINO WOOL 3

2009 Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show& Ram Sale - Dubbo

Major Awards2009 Rabobank Australian Supreme Ram

NSW Finalist: Langdene, Dunedoo

Supreme Exhibit & Supreme NSW RamLangdene, Dunedoo

Most Successful Exhibitor - Overall, Show and FleeceWeealla, Balladoran

Elders City of Dubbo Group One Oak, Jerilderie The Max Smith Champion Pair Weealla, BalladoranElders Champion Pen of 5 Sale Rams Haddon Rig, Warren

Grand Champion Ram Langdene, DunedooReserve Grand Champion Ram Towalba, Peak HillGrand Champion Ewe Merryville, Boorowa Reserve Grand Champion Ewe One Oak, JerilderieMost Successful Exhibitor - Open Weealla, Balladoran Most Successful Poll Exhibitor Karowara Plains, BedgerabongChampion Poll Merino Ram Jolly Jumbuck, Mitchell QldChampion Poll Merino Ewe Alfoxton Poll, ArmidaleNSW Jnr Champion March-shorn ram Wanganella, DeniliquinNSW Jnr Champion March-shorn ewe North Ashrose, Gulnare SAThe Land March Shorn Pair Terrick West, Prairie VicPerformance Class Pemcaw, DunedooMalcolm Swain Mem. - Best Handler Jock Capel, Bungulla, ManillaBest Presented Team Sale Rams Roseville Park, Dubbo Best Static Display Weealla, Balladoran AUGUST SHORN CHAMPIONSChampion Superfine Ram Grathlyn, HargravesChampion Superfine Ewe Merryville, Boorowa **Champion Fine Ram Langdene, DunedooChampion Fine Wool Ewe Royalla, BalladoranChampion Fine/Medium Ram Weealla, BalladoranChampion Fine/Medium Ewe One Oak, Jerilderie *Champion Medium Ram Angenup, Kojonup WAChampion Medium Ewe Weealla, BalladoranChampion Strong Ram Towalba, Peak HillChampion Strong Ewe Darriwell, Trundle MARCH SHORN CHAMPIONSChampion Superfine Ram Grathlyn, HargravesChampion Superfine Ewe Merrignee, BoorowaChampion Fine Ram Langdene, DunedooChampion Fine Wool Ewe Rockdale, CanowindraChampion Fine/Medium Ram Weealla, Balladoran *Champion Fine/Medium Ewe North Ashrose, Gulnare SAChampion Medium Ram One Oak, JerilderieChampion Medium Ewe North Ashrose, Gulnare SAChampion Strong Ram Wanganella, DeniliquinChampion Strong Ewe Cora Lynn, Peak Hill

* = consecutive year award

RABOBANK AUSTRALIA MERINO SHEEPJUDGING COMPETITION

Overall Winner William Webb

Senior (15 - 25)1 William Webb, “Fairleigh”, Harden2 Jock Capel, Bungulla, Manilla=3 Alistair McDonald, Uardry, Hay=3 Ollie Holland, Egelabra, Warren

Junior1 Angus Capel, Bungulla, Manilla2 Sophie Maclean, Haddon Rig, Warren3 Tori Wythes, Rockdale, Canowindra

Best Handler Jock Capel

Top: The 2009 Max Smith (August-shorn) Pair of the 2009 Rabobank National exhibited by Weealla, Balladoran, being sashed by Wendy Beveridge, Dubbo and held by Stuart and Tory McBurnie. This award along with those for August-shorn champion fine-medium ram and champion medium ewe, March shorn champion fine-medium ram and champion fine-medium Poll ram along with champion fine-medium sale ram, contributed towards the overall most successful exhibitor award won by the stud. Weealla also won the award for best static display.

Photo courtesy The Land

Below: Vendors of N59, the $29,000 top-priced ram of this year’s Dubbo National Ram Sale, Jock and Hamish McLaren, Nerstane, Woolbrook with Andrew Calvert, T P Jones and Company, Launceston, Tasmania, who represented the syndicate of Tasmanian and Victorian buyers.

Wayne Jenkins photo

Registered NSW Merino studs use the NSW SMBA “Merino” logo4

Wal Merriman, Merryville, Boorowa with his supreme champion fleece of the Australian Wool Network Fleece Show at the Rabobank National and Brett Cooper, AWN’s Central West regional manager, Mudgee. From 235 entries, Merryville was also most successful fleece exhibitor. The supreme fleece, from Merryville’s grand champion ultrafine ram at this year’s Sydney Sheep Show had a gfw of 8.5kg.

Photo courtesy The Land

Australian Wool Network2009 NATIONAL FLEECE SHOW

Supreme Champion Fleece Merryville, BoorowaGrand Champion Ram Fleece Merryville, BoorowaGrand Champion Ewe or Wether Fleece Grathlyn, HargravesChampion Medium Wool Fleece Bungulla, ManillaSuper/Ultrafine Fleece – Best Quality and Style Turon Hill, SofalaCommercial Value Fleece Adina, CoomaMost Successful Exhibitor Merryville, Boorowa

HOUSED SECTIONSSuperfine Ewe or Wether Fleece Grathlyn, HargravesSuperfine Ram Fleece Merryville, BoorowaFine Ewe or Wether Fleece Kurrajong Park, DelungraFine Ram Fleece Merryville, BoorowaMedium Ewe or Wether Fleece Pemcaw, DunedooMedium Ram Fleece Bungulla, ManillaStrong Ewe or Wether Fleece Wyuna, ArmatreeStrong Ram Fleece Raby, Warren

UNHOUSED SECTIONSSuperfine Ewe or Wether Fleece Bralca, MolongSuperfine Ram Fleece J & V Murray, WellingtonFine Ewe or Wether Fleece East Roseville, BrewarrinaMedium Ewe or Wether Fleece Tootha, WalgettMedium Ram Fleece Darriwell, TrundleStrong Ewe or Wether Fleece East Roseville, BrewarrinaStrong Ram Fleece Victoria Downs, Morven, Q

There were 17 competitors in the senior (15 – 25 yrs) Merino Judging Competition at this year’s Rabobank National in Dubbo. Winning for his second year was William Webb, “Fairleigh”, Harden, pictured back right. Equal third place winners were Alistair McDonald, Uardry, Hay and Ollie Holland, Egelabra, Warren and runner-up, 12-year-old, Jock Capel, Bungulla, Manilla.

Photo courtesy The Land

Average $

12,833 6813 6000 4214 3500 3250 3000 3000 3000 2500 2500 2000 2000 1500 1000 1000

1700 1000 1000

4500 4000 3500 2500 2000 1500 1250 1000 1000

Top Price $

29,000 14,000 11,000

6500 7000 4500 3000 3000 3000 3000 3500 2000 2000 1500 1000 1000

2000 1000 1000

4500 4000 3500 2500 2000 1500 1250 1000 1000

Sold

3857342113211221

211

111111111

Stud

Nerstane, Woolbrook Haddon Rig, Warren Langdene, Dunedoo Roseville Park, Dubbo Bungulla, Manilla One Oak, Jerilderie Weealla, Balladoran Grogansworth, Bowning Raby, Warren Towalba, Peak Hill Waverley Downs, Delungra Pemcaw, Dunedoo Wyuna, Armatree Rockdale, Canowindra Royalla, Wallendbeen Karowara Plains, Bedgerabong

Selected Rams Langdene, Dunedoo Roseville Park, Dubbo Maybrook, Narromine

March Shorn Rams Sims Uardry, Hay Pemcaw Poll, Dunedoo Alfoxton Poll, Armidale Genanegie, Peak Hill Cora Lynn, Peak Hill Koonwarra, Boorowa Weealla Poll, Balladoran Rockdale, Canowindra Coddington Poll, Dubbo

STUD RAMSSold: 46 Offered: 59 Top Price: $29,000 Average: $4576 Clearance: 78%

SELECTED RAMSSold: 4 Offered: 6 Top Price: $2000 Average: $1350 Clearance: 67%

MARCH Shn RAMS Sold: 9 Offered: 17Top Price: $4500 Average: $2361 Clearance: 53%

National Ram Sale 2009 - Vendor Summary -

OVERALLSold: 59 Offered: 82 Top Price: $29,000

Gross: $237,150 Average: $4019 Clearance: 72% E & OE

Performance Production Profit - the NSW Modern Merino 5

Prices lift as Global EconomicRecovery gathers paceAccording to a recently released industry note from Rabobank, the recent lift in wool prices is likely to be sustained at these higher levels in the short to medium term. However, while prices have picked up from the three-year lows experienced in early 2009, the extent that this rise continues will be determined by the pace at which the world economy recovers and the level of competition from alternative fibres.

Rabobank analyst, Adam Tomlinson, says that the discretionary nature of woollen product consumption means that wool prices will continue to be closely aligned with global economic activity.

“The premium and niche market status of wool meant that wool was one of the hardest hit agricultural commodities when the global credit crisis first started to unwind,” he says.

“As the recovery in the global economy gathers pace– although more gradual in developed economies – we expect that the desirable nature of woollen garments will remain. This should support an improving global demand outlook for wool.”

Improving global economy a turning point

The current economic outlook for world economies from the International Monetary Fund suggests that a broader improvement in economic activity will occur in 2010.

“We are expecting demand to improve with the global economy and keep wool prices above current levels in 2010, and that wool prices will also be underpinned by the increasing cost of alternative fibres,” Mr Tomlinson says.

“Oil prices – a major cost component for intermediates of chemical synthetic fibres – are expected to remain at higher levels in 2010, keeping the pressure on production costs for these fibres.”

Production to remain subdued

Wool production has been in decline for many years, as producers of wool globally switched to alternative enterprises like the production of grain or the production of other livestock products like meat or milk. However, as the production of wool has been falling the global production of synthetic fibres has been meeting additional world fibre demand.

“We expect that global wool production in 2010 will rise slightly as better seasonal conditions and reduced input costs increase wool yields per sheep. However, this increase will remain constrained by competition from alternative farming practices.

“Notwithstanding any further supply and demand shocks, Rabobank expects that domestic wool prices, quoted as the eastern market indicator, will remain above the five-year average (AUD8/kg clean).”

Rabobank Australia is a part of the international Rabobank Group, the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. Rabobank has more than 110 years’ experience providing customised banking and finance solutions to businesses involved in all aspects of food and agribusiness. Rabobank is structured as a cooperative and has a AAA credit rating from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. Rabobank operates in 46 countries, servicing the needs of more than nine million clients worldwide through a network of more than 1600 offices and branches. Rabobank Australia is one of the country’s leading rural lenders and a significant provider of business and corporate banking and financial services to the Australian food and agribusiness sector. The bank has 53 branches throughout Australia.

Left: In the 16th year of Rabobank sponsorship of the National Merino Sheep Show in Dubbo, Patrick Lally, Rabobank NSW State manager, sashes the Langdene ram held by Garry Cox when it won the title of Supreme NSW Ram on its way to taking out the national title.Rabobank (formerly PIBA) has also been major sponsor of The Top Sire since 1994.

Photo courtesy The Land

Welcome ...To newly registered NSW studs:

• EAST YARRABIN F No 5060 William and Sharon (JA) Locker, “East Yarrabin”,

Carlaminda (www.eastyarrabinmerinos.com.au)

• MAIN RANGE F No. 5062 Greg and Steve (GW, MT & SG) Tozer, “Mildon”,

Berridale

• LANDS END P F No. 1397 Lachlan & Delphine ( LB & DH) Johnstone, “Amaroo”,

Gulf Rd, Emmaville

111th Sydney Sheep Show - 8 to 11 April 20106

Auction ForwardPutting the power in woolgrowers’ hands

Grogansworth stud principal Kim Henderson has a good grasp of the wool industry.

And with his 19-micron flock – 10,000 in good times but around 8000 for the past five or six years – based on his own bloodlines since 1985, he also knows he is in the commodity business.

And wool, Kim says, is just like any other commodity and is based on a fairly consistent three-year cycle of 18 months up and 18 months down.

The key, he says, is to get on board when the market is in its top 20 per cent decile and lock your product in steadily as the price goes up to secure a good average.

Kim, based about 20 kilometres from Yass in NSW, has been an enthusiastic forward marketer for years, working closely with Elders and its auction forward product.

“A forward contract gives you long-term security and lets you plan further out,” Kim says.

“Many grain growers do it every year, it is a big part of the cotton industry, but I feel woolgrowers seem a little too shy of the forward market, and as a result I feel they miss out on some very good opportunities,” he says.

Right now Kim believes the market is coming out of a trough, driven by a lack of supply and by renewed interest from buyers.

He also sees 19-micron wool as the new 21-micron – and without the volatility of the superfines between 15 and 17 microns.

“The 19 is selling around 1000 cents at the moment and when it reaches 1100 it will start to attract my attention again,” Kim added.

Apart from wool Kim crops about 400 acres of oats – for fodder and grain – and when the season is OK also agists cattle. His Merinos mean he is also in the lamb and mutton industries.

Elders Yennora-based wool portfolio manager Colin Hunt (pictured) describes Kim as a professional wool grower with an open mind to a challenging industry.

Colin says woolgrowers have enough to deal with so auction forward gives them the chance to lock in a price and remove that uncertainty from their business.

“Kim works on around 75 per cent of his clip being sold forward when he gets the price he likes,” Colin says.

“But he is also very conscious of having the physical product to match the contract, which means taking into account drought, perhaps selling sheep early and sheep not cutting as much wool as usual,” he says.

“That is why he likes to leave himself that buffer with which to move.

“Selling forward is such a powerful marketing tool for growers. Among other things it lets them become price setters, not price takers, and that counts for a lot.”

Haddon Rig jillaroos, Nicola Kelland and Erin Rush flank Bevan Jolly, Elders Stud Stock, Dubbo and Haddon Rig stud manager, Andy Maclean during the presentation to Haddon Rig of the sash for the Elders Champion Pen of 3 Sale Rams. Buyers were equally impressed, the rams in the champion pen selling for the stud’s top prices of $14,000, $10,000 and $8000, all among the sale’s top five prices.

Photo courtesy The Land

visit www.merinonsw.com• 2009 Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show & Ram Sale. Full Results

• 2010 NSW Merino Calendar and 2010 Merino Ewe Competitions in NSW

• Commonwealth, State, Classers and Associate list of Judges for your Sheep Shows and Ewe Competitions

• All you need to know about Membership - registration, responsibilities, Shearing Inspection etc.

Please note: An upgrade to this website will be taking place over coming weeks and some advertised pages may not be available for a short time. We apologise for any inconvenience while we upgrade this site in our aim to bring you an increasingly beneficial and informative site.

77

NSW Hat-Trick in BendigoNSW achieved the top results at this years Australian Sheep and Wool Show and Ram Sale in Bendigo, Vic, in July with member studs showing the supreme exhibit, winning the National Merino Pair of the Year competition and topping the ram sale.

When the ram from Langdene - the Dunedoo-based stud of Garry, Gordon and Colleen Cox - arrived in Bendigo, it had already secured the title of champion fine wool ram of this year’s Sydney Sheep Show at the Sydney Royal.

In Bendigo the ram, a son of Nerstane 43, was sashed grand champion ram and supreme exhibit and a month later at the Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show in Dubbo became the 2009 Rabobank Australian Supreme Merino Ram.

After 12 years the title of National Merino Pair of the Year returned to NSW with the One Oak stud of Graham and Mary Wells, Jerilderie securing this prestigious title in Bendigo with their fine-medium pair that had won the right to represent NSW at this year’s Sydney Sheep Show. One Oak also exhibited the best exhibit of three Merinos (ahead of fellow NSW stud, Royalla, Wallendbeen) and showed the grand champion fine-medium ewe.

Following a successful Sydney Sheep Show outing with the ram that was champion Poll Merino, Chris and Cindy Clonan, Alfoxton, Armidale offered the 17.6-micron ram at the Bendigo Ram Sale. After waiting for 96 previous lots to be knocked down, their wait was rewarded with the sale’s top price of $26,000 in a sale to Len Mathews, Bulgandri Poll Merino stud, Rand.

The bare-breech ram, sired by The Grange 01-0924 from a Cromarty dam, also gave the Clonans their third sale topper on the trot, the stud having topped both this year’s Armidale Housed ($18,000) and Unhoused ($3800) sales.

Other NSW studs to show grand champions in Bendigo were Towalba, Peak Hill (strong wool ram), Merryville, Boorowa (ultrafine ewe), Shalimar Park, Wollun (ultrafine ram), Merryville Poll (Champion Poll ewe).

Also among the broad ribbons were Weealla, Borambil, Alfoxton Poll, Bullamalita Poll, Grathlyn, Uardry, Old Cobran Poll, Darriwell and Wanganella.

Another NSW stud having a memorable outing to Bendigo was Sims Uardry, Hay, the stud exhibiting the champion Australian all-purpose Merino ram for the fourth consecutive year. The ram, Sims Uardry Mortlock, was also Riverina Ram of the Year (the third year in a row that the stud has won this title) and subsequently sold at the stud’s September Foundation Sale for $20,000, the top on-property sale price for the current selling season.

With 72 sheep contesting the all purpose Merino award in Bendigo, it proved a triumph for Riverina studs with Poll Boonoke winning reserve champion, followed by One Oak and Caroonboon.

Top: Stuart Hodgson, Landmark, Wagga, Len Mathews, Bulgandri Poll, Rand, Michael Glasser, Elders, Albury and Cindy and Chris Clonan, Alfoxton, Armidale with their $26,000 top-priced ram in Bendigo.

Wayne Jenkins photo

Left: Mary and Graham Wells, One Oak, Jerilderie, with their National Merino Pair of the Year. Uardry manager, Ben Lane shows the stud’s Australian all-purpose Merino ram which was also 2009 Riverina Ram of the Year, as it is sashed by Russell Frew, Rodwells, Bendigo.

Photos courtesy Stock & Land

NSW Merino Breeders - Breeders of the Modern Merino 7

Website of the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders (AASMB) - www.merinos.com.au8

Europe in SpringIf you are still wondering whether you should take a well-earned break to Europe in 2010 (and of course you should), perhaps further details of what is in store on the AASMB’s Trade Mission and the World Merino Conference will be enough to convince you.

The nation’s farmers (you don’t have to be a stud Merino breeder) are invited to participate in the various programmes that have been packaged by Quadrant Australia to be conducted on either side of the World Merino Conference. Quadrant Australia is the company officially appointed by the AASMB to package tours to the World Merino Conference as well as the trade mission programmes.

The conference programme was outlined in our last issue, so on this page we transport you to Paris in Spring, the starting point for the optional programmes in Europe.

Departing Australia on 22 April you have two pre-conference options. You can elect to travel from Paris to the Somme region for three nights where the highlight of the stay will be the special Dawn Service on Anzac Day at the Australian National Memorial in Villers Bretonneux. Visits will also be made to the memorials and major World War I sites where Australian soldiers fought brave and bloody battles. The tour continues to Spain and the Seville area for two nights where you will stay at El Esparragal Farmhouse, built in 1615. From there it is on to the Extramadura region, the “cradle of the Merino” for a field day with a focus on Spanish and Portugese Merinos. Visits in Spain also include the selection centre for Merinos in Badajoz.

Then it is on to Portugal with a visit to the World Heritage listed city of Evora. Travel then to Lisbon with sheep farm visits en route. After a night and morning in Lisbon you fly back to Paris on 1 May and transfer to your conference accommodation at Versailles. You can then enjoy a day in Versailles or attend the Wool Arts Festival at the Bergerie Nationale, Rambouillet, before the official programme commences on 3 May.

The second option, also departing Australia on 22 April sees you leave Paris, after a one-night stay, travelling by TGV express train south to Aix en Provence for three nights. This will be your base as you visit Merino sheep farms and research stations around Arles as well as the Camargue region. Next you fly to Spain to the Extramadura region and join the group who selected the above option. The remainder of this tour follows the one previously mentioned.

For those who elect the Conference Programme Only, you will depart Australia on 1 May and return on 8 May. Arriving in Paris on 2 May you transfer to Versailles for five nights with time to freshen up and join those who have already arrived at the conference registration and welcome cocktails.

The conference programme then commences with the Merinoscope Technical Day on 3 May. This is a field day of numerous static and interactive sites, including exhibits of full blood and purebred French and Spanish Merinos; stock breeding materials; carcase preparation and cooking demonstrations; and the European shearing competition.

On 4 May, following the official opening, the conference gets under way and at the end of that day, the General Assembly of the World Federation of Merino Breeders will be followed by a Gala Dinner.

Quadrant also offers optional activities in the “Partner’s Programme” and for the days immediately following the conference:• 2 May. Half day at Chartres including Chartres Cathedral

and a brewery with tasting.• 2 May. Half day at Rambouillet sightseeing the 700 years

of architectural heritage in the city and palace. • 2 May. Bergerie Nationale, the historical sheep farm and

centre for agricultural innovation since the reign of Louise XVI (also the site of the conference). This option and the previous two are available both morning and afternoon.

• 3 & 4 May. Full day in Paris discovering the great monuments - The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe.

• 3 & 4 May. Full day in Paris discovering Paris as a village - a walking tour through the back streets from Notre Dame to the Pantheon and through the Latin Quarter.

Est à Laine Merinos (Merinos of Eastern France).

Palace of Versailles

(Continued on page 10)

North Tuppal to recreate historyOfficial guests and school children will attend the first day and the second day, Saturday, is open to the general public. For more information, visit the website, http://tuppal.wikispaces.com or contact SSAA chairperson, Peter Artridge, ph 0429 204 295.

When we look at the iconic Australian painting Shearing the Rams by Tom Roberts we can imagine the hum, the click of the shears, the smells and associated noises of a shearing shed in the 1880s. This will all come to life once more on Friday and Saturday 4 and 5 June next year at the historic 72-stand Tuppal Station (now known as North Tuppal) shearing shed near Tocumwal.Sports Shear Australia Association Inc (SSAA) is planning a re-enactment based on the famous painting in celebration of both the history of shearing and 125 years of competition shearing in Australia.The SSAA, along with the Atkinson family of North Tuppal, plans to shear over 5100 sheep in the two days in an operation that will require over 250 volunteers. These will include 58 machine shearers, 14 blade shearers and 80 wool handling and shed staff as well as over 50 management and support personnel. Once each day the machines will be turned off so 72 blade shearers can recreate history.Through this event the SSAA hopes to raise the profile of Sports Shear Australia and the sport of shearing and wool handling; to promote public awareness of the history of the Australian sheep and wool industry; and promote the sheep industry to new participants. They also aim to raise awareness for a Heritage listing for the 145-year-old North Tuppal shearing shed (pictured below).

NORTH TUPPAL STATION• Tuppal Station is situated near Tocumwal in the NSW

Riverina. • It was originally selected in 1843 and was purchased

by F S Falkiner and Sons in 1891. • The property covered over 170,000 acres. • The original sweating pens for the blade shed, built in

1863, are used today as holding pens.• Around the turn of the 20th century, one of the

biggest machine sheds was built on Tuppal Station consisting of 72 stands in a 88 metre long “T” shaped board.

• The shed would regularly shear over 200,000 Peppin Merino sheep per year, yielding 3244 bales of wool.

• The section now known as North Tuppal is around 6500 acres and is where the big shed stands.

• The property is currently owned by the Atkinson family.

The Australian Wool Fashion Awards (TAWFA) will host delegates to the 9th World Sheep & Wool Congress in Sydney in April 2010 and they are seeking support from knitters. To promote the Australian wool industry, TAWFA plans to present hand-knitted bed socks and scarves as gifts to those attending the Awards Presentation Night on Wednesday 7 April 2010. All items must be made from 100 per cent Australian wool. TAWFA managing director, Liz Foster said “This would be an ideal time to get rid of all those left over bits and pieces from your knitting bag, or we can help with wool and patterns. “A swing tag with your name & location will be attached to each item you make.”

A Knitter with a bit of spare time? TAWFA wants YOU!

Also a good chance to “plug” your region, and even better if you use wool from your own sheep! To participate or for further information, contact Liz Foster, ph (02) 6771 2733 / 0407 456 056 or email liz@tawfa.com.au

BOOK NOW for 8th World Merino Conference and Trade Mission to Europe 9

Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show & Ram Sale - 24 to 28 August 201010

GSSM 2010In the fourth year since its successful relocation to Exhibition Park, Canberra, the prestigious Great Southern Supreme Merino (GSSM) Show and Sale will be staged from Saturday 23 to Monday 25 January 2010.

A number of studs in the Boorowa, Harden and Yass areas will also participate in the GSSM Field Day on Friday 22 January and details of the day’s program can be obtained from the GSSM secretary.

Judging of the 63rd annual show will commence at 1 p.m. on Saturday and continue through Sunday.

Judges will be:• Superfine Danny Picker, Bigga • Fine Wool David Holgate, Dalton • Medium & Strong Chris Bowman, Hay

Monday’s ram sale will commence at 11 a.m. at the same venue.

Rocky Henderson, Grogansworth, Bowning; Kay Lindsay, Cora Lynn, Peak Hill; and Jane McLaren, Nerstane, Woolbrook caught up at this year’s GSSM event.

• 4 & 5 May. Full day at Versailles which includes a morning guided tour of the lavish palace and afternoon free to explore the gardens.

• 5 May. Evening in Paris at the Moulin Rouge - dinner and show.

• 5 May. Dinner Cruise on the Seine.

• 6 May. Full day of technical visits in the Beauce Plains region (large scale cropping and sheep). This day includes farm visits and the town of Chartres.

Post-conference there are two further travel options, both departing Paris on 7 May.

The first flies from Paris to Venice where, over a stay of two nights you can soak up the atmosphere of one of Italy’s best loved and most romantic cities. You then travel via Verona to Milan, the fashion capital of Italy for one night, then on to Biella where you will spend the next few days meeting buyers of Australian wool as well as representatives of the Italian wool textile processing industry. Discussions will centre on Australian/Italian trade relations and other issues impacting on the wool supply chain.

From there you travel to the fabulous city of Florence for an overnight stay before proceeding to Rome for two nights. From Rome you depart on 15 May to arrive in Australia on 17 May.

The second equally enticing option also leaves Paris on 7 May and includes visits to Merino sheep farms and research institutes in France, Germany and Romania. From Paris you travel east via TGV express train to Nancy. After a night in Metz you travel to Strasbourg for one night before attending the Merino competition at Dettelbach in Germany and an evening with stock breeders in Wurzburg.

Then it is on to Stuttgart via the region of Bavaria and a flight from Frankfurt to Romania for two nights in Constanza with an inspection of the Stock Breeding Sheep and Goat Institute in Palas. From there the group will travel to Bucharest and en route visit a large sheep enterprise with integrated slaughterhouse. After a night in Bucharest you fly back to Paris and onwards to Australia, arriving back on 16 May.

It should be noted that most meals are included in the Quadrant options.

BOOK NOW by contacting Quadrant Australia (see box on page 1 for details).

Rabobank Australia continues to be the fixture’s major sponsor with support also forthcoming from AWTA, The Four Seasons Company, Landmark and Elders.

Held during school holidays, the Great Southern has always proved popular with family groups and as the Australia Day public holiday follows, the GSSM committee encourages you to bring the family and also visit Canberra’s many attractions over an extended long weekend.

For this reason you are also advised to book your accommodation early.

Recommended accommodation, close to Exhibition Park, includes the Best Western Apartments in Dickson, ph (02) 6262 7000 where you can also ask for the “GSSM rate”. Also conveniently located is The Red Cedars in Watson, ph (02) 6241 2944

Further information can be obtained from GSSMpresident, Bob Walters, ph (02) 6456 6744 or secretary, Tamara Young, ph (02) 6227 4553 a.h. or email tamarayoung@netspace.net.au

Judging underway in the large air-conditioned pavilion at EPIC in 2009.

Europe in Spring(Continued from page 8)

7

THE TOP SIRE – Newsletter of The NSW Stud Merino Breeders’ Association Ltd – ABN 95 002 659 896

The Australian Merino Centre Editor Printed byLocked Bag 4317 Carol-Ann Malouf DobijaWorldSydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 Public Relations Officer NSW SMBA Ph: 02 6964 5093Ph: 02 9763 2744 Fax: 02 9763 1878 PO Box 320 Condobolin NSW 2877 Fax: 02 6964 5094Email: office@merinos.com.au Ph: 02 6895 2274 Fax: 02 6895 2339 Email: sales@dobijaworld.com Email: carol-annmalouf@bigpond.com

The opinions expressed in contributed copy in this newsletter are those of the contributor, not necessarily the Association.

11

Penned Up

Contact:Robert RyanPh: (02) 9892 0700

John Gray Ph: (02) 9892 0807Mob: 0408 414 478

Michael WrightPh: (02) 9892 0704Mob: 0419 826 301

Tony EvansPh: (02) 49 653 522Mob: 0427 661 949

BADGERY LUMBY

THE COMPANY PROVIDING PERSONAL SERVICE

Wool Broker - Property & Livestock Agents Finance & Insurance

Proud to support the Merino Breeders Association

SCHUTE BELLThe 2009 Mid State Elders Premier Hogget Ram of the Year award in August was won by a 17.3-micron Poll Merino ram from Weealla Poll, the Balladoran-based stud of Stuart, David and Karen McBurnie. In the competition’s 20th year, this is the first time the award has gone to a Poll Merino.

South West SlopesFifteen of the region’s studs were on display at the annual South West Slopes Stud Merino Field Day, also a 20-year-old event, held at Young Racecourse in early September. For the seventh time the Wendouree Perpetual Shield for a pen of three Merino hogget rams was won by the Whitechurch family, Wendouree, Grenfell. The supreme ram was shown by Winston and Sue McDonald, Royalla, Wallendbeen.

Out of Adversity - The history of the Body Family by Pam and Neil Body. In 2002 this book received the Alexander Henderson Award from the Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies in Victoria for the best family history published in Australia. The book traces eight generations of the Body family over 300 years from its beginnings in Devon in 1700 to success in the Australian pastoral industry (including 3 generations on Bundemar) and the contributions of family members to the war efforts in the Boer War, World Wars and Vietnam.While the authors have a limited number of copies remaining, given sufficient interest there is the possibility of additional loose-leaf copies or a CD in the future. Meantime, copies of the book are available at $90 (incl. p&h) from Pam and Neil Body, ph (02) 6251 1611 or email: body@lightningpl.net.au

The Australian Wool Fashion Awards Presentation Parade will again be staged at the Royal Easter Show in 2010. For more information and bookings for the event on Wednesday 7 April, contact Liz Foster, ph 0407 456 056. Parades will also be staged throughout the Royal Easter Show from 1 to 14 April and further information can also be found on www.tawfa.com.au

The 2010 Merino Ram Show in Dubbo in August will be the 50th such fixture and your editor would like to complete and publish (in The Top Sire 2010 Annual Journal) a table of results from that first sale on 7 and 9 February 1962 to the present day. Through research and personal records I have been able to complete figures on most sales, but those with no details apart from number of sheep offered are 1963, 1964, 1966, 1974 and 1975. For the years 1965, 1970 and 1972, records are incomplete apart from top price and vendor. Please contact Carol-Ann Malouf (details below) if you can assist with filling in those gaps.

New England Merino Field Days. This biennial event visiting the area’s studs on-property and at Walcha Showground will be staged on Saturday and Sunday, 9 and 10 January 2010. For further information, contact Janet Carter, ph (02) 6778 7288.

ValeThe NSW Stud Merino Breeders’ Association extends sympathy to the families of members, Evan Barnet (Miramoona, Walcha) and Bob Greaves (Delvine Park, Yalgogrin North) who have passed away this year.

We also mourn the passing of Bill Scanes, long-time employee of Merryville stud since its days at Murrumbateman and a popular identity on the show circuit.

The 30th AnnualDon Brown Memorial Merino Ewe CompetitionCondobolin District

Monday 22 February & Tuesday 23 February Presentation Dinner - Tuesday 23 February

JudgesKim Henderson, Grogansworth, Bowning Tom Ashby, North Ashrose, Gulnare SA Associate - Lydia Herbert, Eugowra

For coach bookings and information, contact: Carol-Ann Malouf, ph (02) 6895 2274/ 0427 119 535

CONDOBOLIN

The Heart of Ewe

Mother’s Little HelperMaking mothering easier and more profitable is the focus of a new sheep breeding index targeting maternal ewe production.

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) recently released the LAMBPLAN Maternal Index, a package of genetic traits designed to reflect the current and future needs of sheep breeders to produce ewes with higher milk production, improved early lamb growth, more lambs weaned and better worm resistance.

MLA’s sheep research and development manager, Alex Ball, said the index is best suited to maternal breeders and commercial lamb producers joining rams to Merino ewes to retain first-cross ewes for future lamb production.

“The index comprises a package of Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) weighted according to their relative economic importance,” Dr Ball said.

“Compared to existing maternal indices available for some sheep breeds, the new index has a stronger weighting on early lamb growth.”

Reflecting current and future needs of ewe breeders, the new maternal index places a strong emphasis on weaning weight, post weaning weight, number of lambs weaned, maternal weaning weight and mature ewe weight.

Dr Ball explained that the maternal weaning weight ASBV was an indicator of milk production and this was increasingly important as lamb producers strived to turn-off lambs at 14-18 weeks.

The remaining emphases are spread between post weaning worm egg counts, eye muscle depth and greasy fleece weight.

“Worm resistance is a significant inclusion to the new index and reflects the increasing importance of genetically improving sheep resistance to internal parasites,” he said.

Another significant shift in this maternal index has been to remove the negative emphasis on fat that is in the current index.

“This should counter the concerns of many producers across southern Australia that ewes are becoming too lean and struggling to cope with the drier seasons that have been experienced in the past few years,” Dr Ball said.

“Using the index will allow producers to select breeding ewes that have high milk production, a high number of lambs weaned, good worm resistance and that can cope with a drier environment.”

Enquiries: Dr Alex Ball, MLA, ph (02) 6773 2493.

Easing Labour PainsThe first sheep breeding values for gestation length and lambing ease have also recently been released.

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) says this is a major breakthrough that will assist producers boost lamb survival rates and the amount of lamb weaned per hectare - major profit drivers for sheep enterprises.

The new Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) are Lambing Ease Direct (LE_DIR), Lambing Ease Daughter (LE_DTR) and Gestation Length (GL). On 2 November they became available to terminal, maternal and Merino breeders through LAMBPLAN and MERINOSELECT.

Sheep Genetics manager, Sam Gill, said these three new breeding values, coupled with selection for moderate birth weight, give sheep breeders and commercial producers another tool to maximise lamb survival.

“There is a 33 per cent difference in lambing ease between the best and worst terminal sires used in 2008, which highlights how important genetics can be in reducing the amount of assistance required during lambing.

“Every lamb counts in today’s economic climate and these tools will assist in eliminating lamb birthing difficulties and increasing the output of lamb per hectare. They will also help to reduce ewe losses, which are a significant long term profit driver of lamb production.”

MLA estimates that genetic improvements to improve the competitiveness of the Australian sheep industry, such as

these new breeding values, added $17.5 million to the farm gate of the national lamb industry last year.

“The breeding values were created using more than 44,500 records on ease of lambing collected by LAMBPLAN members, the Sheep CRC and other research programmes and analysed through the University of New England’s Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, using industry funds from MLA,” Mr Gill said.

“The Lambing Ease Direct ASBV identified sires whose lambs would be less likely to require external assistance during birth - most beneficial for prime lamb enterprises where progeny are turned off for processing.”

The Lambing Ease Daughters ASBV indicated how well a sire’s daughters would handle lambing and a sire with a high value for this trait would produce daughters that were less likely to require lambing assistance - an important tool for producers breeding replacement ewes.

Mr Gill said Gestation Length ASVB identified sires whose progeny would lamb down with optimal gestation length - from AI conception to the date of birth - to reduce birth weight and increase lambing ease.

More information about the new breeding values is available from Sheep Genetics on (02) 6773 2948 or email info@sheepgenetics.org.au

Information on this page provided by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA),

The Top Sire 2010 - Annual Journal of the NSW SMBA - out in July 2010