SWSSMB President’s Report 2023
I would like to welcome everyone to the 2023 South West Slopes Stud Merino Breeders Field Day. Sixty of the top NSW Registered Merino Studs will be on display at this event, held at the Harden Showground. The event has become one of the largest gatherings of merino studs in Australia, all in one place, on the same day and all under cover! With free entry and onsite parking, every visitor on the day will receive a free copy of our full colour SWSSMB Booklet and pen.
The 2022 Field Day was one of the biggest, with all 60 Studs with top-quality displays and all were fitted under four big marquees. 2022 was one of the biggest years for commercial agricultural and merino woollen products on display during the day. As the President of the SWSSMB it was excellent to see such great interest in this day for the merino industry after a few years being impacted due to Covid 19 and the government protocol that followed.
The field day is a great opportunity for producers and interested parties to view the different genetics available to suit their merino sheep enterprise. Mingle and network with one of the biggest gatherings of like-minded breeders and get the latest information from industry specialists, all in One Spot on One-Day!
Once again, the Major Sponsor of the 2023 SWSSMB Field is Nutrien Livestock, and I, as the President, thank them for this major sponsorship roll which they have taken on board for several years. To all our secondary sponsors and supporters, thank you for your continued support and your financial backing to make SWSSMB Field Day a great event for the Merino industry.
To the Member Studs and the working Committee members thank you for continued support and helping it all come together to be such a great event each year. The work that those members put in to help this event go ahead each year is much appreciated by the chairman.
Thank you to the merino studs that continue to travel from right across the NSW state for this One-day event at the Harden Show ground its great to see their commitment to this day.
Also, on display this year will be the AWI travelling container with the latest in woollen garments on display, along with other merino industry clothing.
With all 60 studs on display, as well a large showing of industry related companies and enterprise the South West Slopes Stud Merino Breeders Field Day is a great day and not to be missed by anyone in the merino industry. We look forward to seeing you there!
Regards,
Jonathan Merriman
SWS Stud Merino Breeders President
PROGRAMME
Throughout the day Stuart Hodgson, AWI Sheep Industry Specialist, will be available to discuss with Woolgrowers any matters they may wish to talk about.
LOCATION
60 Merino Studs on display and all under cover!
Tuesday 3rd September 2024, commencing 10am
At Harden Showground – Corner of North and Woolrych Streets Harden NSW 2587.
Judges for the 2023 Field Day
RETURN JUDGE - Rodney Kent
Rodney Kent and his family live on their property “Kurrajong” in northern NSW about an hour and half from the Queensland border. Kurrajong comprises of approximately 6000 acres and is a mixed farming enterprise with cropping and merino sheep. Kurrajong country is all black basalt with around a 28inch rain fall per year.
Rodney’s grandfather moved to the area over 116 years ago and the Kent family have owned Kurrajong for the past 100 years and have always ran merino sheep. Kurrajong Park Merino Stud has been registered for around 85 years and currently run 2500 Stud and commercial ewes.
Rodney has had the pleasure of judging at numerous shows including Dubbo, Sydney, Queensland State Sheep Show, Bendigo and Western Australia.
COMPETITION JUDGE - Rob Miller
Rod and wife Sue and family live on their property Glenpaen Merino/Poll Merino Stud in Brimpaen Victoria. Situated in the Southern Wimmera 54km from Horsham on the foot of Grampians National Park.
Glenpaen consists of 5600 acres and runs Merinos and Angus cattle. The average rainfall is 24 inches per year.
The Glenpaen Merino stud commenced in 1989 with some of the best genetics available to start our AI program and now runs 700 stud ewes and has a commercial flock of 4500 ewes.
The stud has achieved many accolades over the years at many major sheep shows, finishing each year with a successful On Property Sale in October selling approx. 120 horn and poll Rams.
Rod enjoys attending shows and catching up with like-minded merino breeders and discussing different genetics and new ideas within the industry.
Rod has had the honor of judging at many major sheep shows including Sydney, Queensland and Western Australia.
ASSOCIATE JUDGE - Lindsay Brown
Lindsay Brown was raised on a sheep & cropping farm near West Wyalong, NSW. Lindsay is in his final year of a double degree in agriculture and business at the University of New England, Armidale, NSW, majoring in international business.
In between study, he works for Alfoxton Merino and Poll Merino Studs near Armidale where he is involved in all aspects of the stud programs. Earlier this year he won the NSW State Final for Merino Sheep Young Judges at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Lindsay is enthusiastic about all components of sheep and wool production, marketing, and innovation. Once Lindsay completes his degree, he endeavors to build a longstanding career in the sheep industry.
2023 Judges with their gifts. Thank you judges!
