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SWSSMB President’s Report 2024

I would like to welcome everyone to the 2024 South West Slopes Stud Merino Breeders Field Day. 60 of the Top NSW registered merino studs will be on display at this year’s event, held at the Harden Showground. The event has become one of the largest gatherings of registered merino studs in Australia all in one place on the same day and all under cover! With free entry and onsite parking inside the show ground, every visitor on the day will receive a free copy of our full colour SWSSMB Booklet and pen.

The 2023 Field Day was one of the biggest with all studs bringing top-quality displays. All 60 studs were spaciously laid out under four big marquees. 2023 was also one of the biggest years so far for commercial Agriculture and merino woollen products on display. As the chairman of the SWSSMB it was great to see the high level of interest in the merino industry especially with the amount of people that travelled from near and far to see the best genetics NSW has to offer.

The field day is a great opportunity for producers and interested parties to view the different genetics available to suit their merino sheep enterprise and their particular farming environment. 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.

I am pleased to announce that this year the SWSSMB Woollen Fashion Parade will be displaying the AWI traveling container with the latest in the woollen garments along with other merino industry clothing. The Fashion Parade will commence whilst judging of our competitions is taking place.

Once again, the Major Sponsor of the 2024 SWSSMB Field is the Nutrien Company, as chairman, I thank them for their continued sponsorship as Major Sponsor which they have taken on board for several years. To all our Secondary Sponsors and Supporters of the Field Day, thank you for your continued sponsorship, your financial backing goes towards the SWSSMB Merino Field being a great event for the Merino industry.

To the Member Studs and the Working Committee members thank you for continuing to support the Field Day and helping it all come together each year. The work they put in to help this event go ahead 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 merino display event at the Harden Show ground its great to see their continued commitment to this day. With 57 studs from 2023 all signing up again to display in 2024.

With 60 studs on display, as well a large show case of industry relevant companies and enterprise the Southwest 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

Accommodation

PROGRAMME

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
- Judging Event: 2024 SWSSMB Pen of Three Merino Hogget Rams – Wendouree Perpetual Shield, proudly sponsored by Wendouree Merinos and Schute Bell Badgery Lumby
12.00pm
- Judging of the 2024 SWS Stud Merino Breeders Ram of The Year, proudly sponsored by Bromar Engineering & Riverina Wool Testers
- Announcement of winners and presentation of prizes for the Stud Competitions
4.30am – Field Day finishes

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 2024 Field Day

RETURN JUDGE - Rodney 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.

COMPETITION 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.

ASSOCIATE JUDGE - Bateson Pittman

Bateson Pittman from Glenburnie Merino and Poll Merino Stud, Walcha, won
the NSW State Junior Merino Judging final at Sydney Royal Easter Show at 17.

He is currently in Year 11 at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in
Tamworth where he is studying Agriculture and Primary Industries. Bateson
has a major passion for agriculture and the merino industry. After he finishes
school he is interested in completing university to further study agriculture.

Bateson will compete in the National Junior Judging Final later this year in
October in Melbourne.