SWSSMB President’s Report 2025
Welcome to the 2025 South West Slopes Stud Merino Breeders Field Day!
This year’s event, held at the Harden Showground, will showcase over 600 Merino sheep from 60 of NSW’s top registered Merino Studs—one of the largest gatherings of registered Merino studs in Australia, all in a single location, on the same day, and entirely under cover!
With free entry and onsite parking, every visitor will receive a full-colour SWSSMB Booklet and a complimentary pen upon arrival.
Looking Back at 2024
Last year’s Field Day was a tremendous success, attracting a strong turnout of passionate Merino breeders eager to inspect the top-quality displays presented by every stud. The AWI Fashion Parade was a standout, highlighting the growing presence of commercial agricultural exhibitors and Merino wool products—making 2024 one of our biggest years yet for industry engagement.
An Unmatched Opportunity
The Field Day remains a prime opportunity for producers and industry professionals to explore elite genetics suited to their Merino enterprises and farming environments. It’s also an invaluable chance to network, exchange knowledge, and gain insights from industry specialists—all in one place, on one day.
As Chairman of SWSSMB, it is incredibly rewarding to witness the enthusiasm for this event and the Merino industry. Each year, we welcome visitors from across NSW and interstate, demonstrating the significance of this one-day showcase and its impact on Merino businesses. The return of 59 out of 60 exhibiting studs underscores the event’s ongoing importance to the industry.
Acknowledging Our Supporters
We are proud to welcome back Nutrien Livestock as our Diamond Sponsor, alongside Rabobank as our Platinum Sponsor—both long-term supporters of this event. Their sponsorship plays a vital role in the Field Day’s success, and we sincerely thank them. To all our sponsors, your continued contributions help ensure this event remains a cornerstone of the Merino industry.
A huge thank you to our Member Studs and working committee members, whose dedication brings this event together year after year. Your hard work is deeply appreciated.
We also extend our gratitude to the Harden Showground Trust for hosting us at this fantastic venue, allowing the Merino industry to showcase its excellence.
Join Us for an Unmissable Event
With 60 studs on display, alongside a diverse array of industry exhibitors, the South West Slopes Stud Merino Breeders Field Day is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about Merinos.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Jonathan Merriman
SWS Stud Merino Breeders President
Judges for the 2025 Field Day
RETURN JUDGE
Hamish McLaren
Hamish McLaren is a partner and co-principal of Nerstane Merino stud. The family runs the merino stud and a commercial sheep and cattle operation over two properties at Walcha, in the North East of NSW.
Hamish initially worked for two wool exporting companies and travelled extensively throughout Australia in this job during the late eighties and early nineties before returning to the family business.
Hamish is passionate about all things Merino including Objective Measurement, the Show Ring, Central Test Sire Evaluations, Ewe competitions and Wether Trials. He has had the privilege of judging all over Australia, Uruguay and New Zealand.
Hamish is the current NSW Stud Merino Breeders president.
COMPETITION 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.
ASSOCIATE JUDGE
Luke Meredith
Luke Meredith, based out of Nevertire is currently working for the Egelabra Merino Stud as Senior Jackaroo.
Luke won the 2025 NSW Merino Judging State Championships at the Sydney Royal and will continue to compete at the National Championships held in Adelaide during September this year.
Luke has a great passion for the merino industry and agriculture studying a Bachelor of Agriculture online at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.
Luke will continue to pursue a career in the agricultural and merino industries for years to come.
2023 Judges with their gifts. Thank you judges!
LOCATION
60 Merino Studs on display and all under cover!
Tuesday 2nd September 2025, 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 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: 2025 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 2025 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.
