SWSSMB President’s Report 2026
Welcome to the 2026 South West Slopes Stud Merino Breeders Field Day.
This year’s event at the Harden Showground will feature more than 660 Merino sheep from 66 of NSW’s leading registered Merino Studs—one of the largest single‑day gatherings of registered Merino studs in Australia. Every display is housed entirely under cover, ensuring an exceptional viewing experience for all visitors.
With free entry and onsite parking, every attendee will receive a full‑colour SWSSMB Booklet and a complimentary pen upon arrival.
Reflecting on 2025
Last year’s Field Day was an outstanding success, drawing one of our largest crowds to date. Enthusiastic Merino breeders and industry supporters travelled from across the region to inspect the high‑quality genetics showcased by every exhibiting stud.
The AWI Runway Collection was a highlight, demonstrating the growing presence of commercial agricultural exhibitors and the increasing visibility of Merino wool products. The 2025 event delivered our most extensive display of Merino genetics and woollen goods, reinforcing the Field Day’s role as a premier platform for industry engagement.
A Unique and Valuable Opportunity
The Field Day continues to offer producers and industry professionals an unparalleled opportunity to explore elite genetics suited to a wide range of Merino enterprises and farming environments. It is also a vital forum for networking, knowledge exchange, and gaining insights from industry specialists—all in one place, on one day.
As Chairman of SWSSMB, it is incredibly rewarding to see the enthusiasm and pride surrounding this event and the broader Merino industry. Each year, we welcome visitors from across NSW and interstate, demonstrating the significance and impact of this one‑day showcase.
The return of 63 out of last year’s 64 exhibiting studs, along with a growing waiting list of studs seeking a place under the marquees, underscores the Field Day’s continued importance to the Australian Merino industry.
Acknowledging Our Supporters
We are proud to welcome back Nutrien Livestock as our Diamond Sponsor and Rabobank as our Platinum Sponsor—both long‑standing partners of this event. Their support plays a vital role in the Field Day’s success, and we extend our sincere thanks.
To all our sponsors, your ongoing contributions ensure this event remains a cornerstone of the Australian Merino industry.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to our Member Studs and the dedicated working committee. Your commitment and hard work bring this event to life year after year.
We further acknowledge the Harden Showground Trust for providing such an outstanding venue, enabling the NSW Merino industry to showcase its excellence.
Join Us for an Unmissable Event
With 66 studs on display and a diverse range of industry exhibitors, the South West Slopes Stud Merino Breeders Field Day is a must‑attend event for anyone passionate about Merinos and the future of the industry.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Jonathan Merriman
SWS Stud Merino Breeders President
Judges for the 2026 Field Day
RETURN JUDGE
Will Roberts
Will and his wife Narda operate Victoria Downs with their daughters Catherine and Candice. The family have been on Victoria Downs since 1906 and Will’s great grandfather started the merino stud in 1911.
Victoria Downs is located approximately 600kms west of Brisbane, Queensland and is 32000 acres, half open downs the other half lightly timbered. They run about 5500 merinos and 600 cows.
Will is the current president of the World Federation of Merino Breeders and a life member of the Queensland Merino Stud Sheep Breeders Association. He is involved in the running of the Queensland State Sheep Show each year.
Will has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to judge at shows around Australia and thoroughly enjoys imparting information to young people interested in the merino industry.
COMPETITION JUDGE
Mitchell Hogg
Our family farms 20 kilometers south of Williams in Western Australia’s Great Southern region, where we run the Navanvale Merino Stud and a commercial sheep enterprise. I work alongside my parents, my wife Suzi, and our three boys — Javier (16), Archie (14) and Lewis (12). Our family has been on this same property since 1907, and I’m proud to be the fifth generation continuing that legacy.
The Merino industry is an incredible community to be part of. It has allowed me to meet and learn from outstanding people from right across Australia, and to contribute to an industry built on innovation, resilience and passion. Breeding Merinos that reflect both the heritage and the future of Australian wool is something I care deeply about, and I feel fortunate every day to work in a field that inspires me.
ASSOCIATE JUDGE
Angus Knox
Angus Knox is currently the overseer at Burrabogie, a sheep station owned by AFA and located east of Hay, New South Wales.
Prior to joining Burrabogie, he spent two years at Boonoke, working with the renowned Poll Boonoke and Wanganella Merino studs. Angus was raised on his family’s mixed farming enterprise at Conargo, where they ran Merino sheep, cattle, and cropping.
Earlier this year, Angus was awarded the title of 2026 NSW State Sheep Judging Champion at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
He will go on to represent New South Wales at the National Merino Sheep Judging Final, to be held at the Ekka in Queensland this August.
With a strong passion for the Merino industry and a commitment to continuous learning, Angus is dedicated to building a long-term career within Australia’s sheep and wool sector.
LOCATION
60 Merino Studs on display and all under cover!
Tuesday 1st September 2026, commencing 10am
At Harden Showground – Woolrych Streets Harden NSW 2587.
ONSITE PARKING – Drive through the gates, collect your SWSSMB Booklet & pen and proceed as directed to the allocated parking area on the grounds. Our friendly volunteers from The Harden Rural Fire Service will assist you.
(With respect to the local residents, please do not park in the residential streets outside the grounds).
PROGRAM
9.00am Sheep to be penned
10.00am Field Day starts
- Merino studs on display
- Wool fashions and products on display
- Sheep handling equipment and software technology
- Farm Machinery on display
- Industry Specialists on hand providing up to date information
11.00am Judging
- Judging Event: 2026 SWSSMB Pen of Three Merino Hogget Rams – Wendouree Perpetual Shield, proudly sponsored by Wendouree Merinos and Schute Bell Badgery Lumby
- Announcement of winners and presentation of prizes
1.00pm Fashion parade
- AWI Runway Showcase also featuring outside labels using Australian Merino Wool
2.00pm Judging
- Judging of the 2026 SWS Stud Merino Breeders Ram of The Year, proudly sponsored by Bromar Engineering & Riverina Wool Testers
- Announcement of winners and presentation of prizes
4.30pm Field Day concludes
Throughout the day AWI Sheep Industry Specialists, Kristen Frost and Tom Hersee will be available to discuss with Woolgrowers any matters they may wish to talk about.
