merinoThe Top Sire merino Newsletter of The NSW Stud Merino Breeders’ Association

January - June 2004 Merino Enterprise Profits Proudly sponsored by Key findings of a recent report commissioned by Meat & Livestock Australia are renewing optimism among Australia's sheep and wool producers, according to newly elected president of the NSW Stud Merino Breeders' Association (SMBA), Kim Henderson. Mr Henderson said that the Economic Analysis of Sheep Production Systems by consultants, Hassall and Associates, has reinforced the belief he shares with members of his association in the economic viability of the Modern Merino over other farming enterprises. These findings complement those of Holmes Sackett & Associates released last year as Economic and Situation Analysis of the Australian Sheep Industry, a report jointly commissioned by MLA and AWI. The report concluded that "the profitability of sheep flocks, be they predominantly for meat, wool or a combination of both, is likely to be very competitive to other broadacre enterprises coming out of the drought." Mr Henderson's remarks coincided with the launch during May of "Merino Milestones" which, at fortnightly intervals in The Land, aims to further highlight the gross margin advantages of Modern Merino enterprises. "I believe that the future for Merino sheep and wool in all categories is very bright. Modern Merinos bred by commercially focused, progressive sheep breeders are meeting the exacting requirements of fertility, wool quality and carcass characteristics." "Genetic gain has been very rapid since the demise of the Reserve Price Scheme. Experienced observers described the display of Merino sheep and fleeces as 'the best-ever' at this year's Royal Easter Show." Mr Henderson concluded, "In the medium and longer term, I believe that producers who have stuck with quality woolled Merinos will be in the box seat. I suspect that the introduction of other breeds may return short-term gain for long-term pain." Kim Henderson takes SMBA Reins New president of the and fellow producers through the THE TOP SIRE SMBA, Kim Henderson, OJD debacle of the last six to The Newsletter of the NSW joined the SMBA Council in seven years. Stud Merino Breeders' 1997. Since then he has Association Ltd "We will regain the initiative in served on and chaired A.B.N. 95 002 659 896 vigorously promoting the Modern A.C.N. 002 659 896 several association sub- Merino. We will forge closer links The Australian Merino Centre committees and is well with commercial producers and Locked Bag 4317 known as an association Sydney Olympic Park remove the 'mystique' that may spokesperson on OJD NSW 2127 still surround the association. Phone: (02) 9763 2744 issues. Fax: (02) 9763 1878 "The association's voice will grow Following his election at E-mail: [email protected] much stronger and we must be the association's April more politically aware. Closer links with, for AGM, Mr Henderson said, "As new chairman I Editor example, AWI, NSW Farmers and Government feel honoured but also humbled to join Carol-Ann Malouf are paramount in developing new vibrancy legendary industry names such as Kater, Public Relations Officer and enthusiasm to attract young people to NSW Stud Merino Breeders' Litchfield, Merriman and Falkiner. the industry at all levels; to assist Australians Association Ltd PO Box 320 The Henderson family's Grogansworth Merino to again realise and understand the critical Condobolin NSW 2877 Stud was founded in 1985. Presently they importance of the industry to the national Phone: (02) 6895 2274 have 550 stud ewes and run a self-replacing economy; and to improve and increase the Fax: (02) 6895 2339 flock of 10,000 sheep on 1370 ha. production of wool in an environmentally E-mail: [email protected] responsible manner - a natural fibre for the On the association's future, Mr Henderson 21st century.” Printed by said, "We have been side-tracked from the big Dobija Design & Publishing picture by correctly supporting our members Kim Henderson can be contacted by phone or Phone: (02) 6964 5093 fax on (02) 6227 6085 merino www.merinonsw.com.au 1 Newsletter of The NSW Stud Merino Breeders’ Association

Dark and/or Medullated Fibre Risk (DMFR) Protecting Australia's Merino industry All Australian woolgrowers should be aware that the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) has recently approved a recommendation that a Dark and/or Medullated Fibre Risk (DMFR) scheme for Australian Merino wool be recognised in its Core Test Regulations from 1 July 2004. This voluntary scheme has been instigated to protect the reputation of Australia's premium "white" Merino wool industry This allows inclusion of the Risk Level on AWTA Ltd Core Test Certificates and AWEX has been approached to facilitate inclusion in sale catalogues. The DMFR scheme will provide: * Merino woolgrowers with increased ability to inform processors that their Australian Merino wool is not contaminated by dark and medullated fibres, and * Customers with increased confidence that your Australian Merino wool will meet their requirements.

Commenting on the DMFR Test Mr Jackson said, "The DMFR Test Fee Slashed significant reduction of the fee for this service is AWTA Ltd has announced that the presale fee for the opportune because it will be implemented at the same DMFT will be slashed from $150 (+ GST) to $39.70 (+ time as the Dark Fibre Risk Scheme." GST). There will also be no increase in general raw wool testing fees in 2004/05. Mr Jackson said, "A full suite of activities will now be available to protect the reputation of Australia's 'white Announcing these decisions, managing director, Merino wool'. Michael Jackson said, "This is good news for the Australian wool industry. At a time when some recovery "The DMFR Scheme will enable growers to declare that in production seems to be occurring, a zero general fee they have followed best practice in their animal increase will assist those wool growers who are husbandry and clip preparation." rebuilding their wool growing enterprises."

Welcome... The NSW Stud Directory to the following NSW studs, 2004 registered to date in 2004: • OAKEY MOUNT Flock 5000 The NSW Stud Directory MM&HMSeaman, 1932 The Bridle Track, 2004 (pictured), Duramana released earlier this * KAMBALA Flock 5001 year, is a 36-page, PR&REBlomfield,"Kambala",Walcha conveniently sized booklet which contains * MT BUFFALO Flock 5007 contact details for the CH&LMBanks, "Mt Buffalo", Wargeila Road, 510 registered NSW Yass Merino studs. * KIROB Flock 5006 KD&RACartwright,"Thalaba Downs", Laggan Copies can be obtained from NSW SMBA * ROGARA POLL Poll Flock 1317 executive director, Carol "Rogara", Goulburn King on * MANDERVILLE POLL Poll Flock 1323 [email protected] M J & C A Coddington, "Glenwood", Dubbo or ph (02) 9763 2744

2 Keep an eye out for www.merinonsw.com.au merino Newsletter of The NSW Studmer Merino Breeders’ Association no Key influences on world wool market by Stephanie Lowe Analyst, Food and Agribusiness Research, Rabobank Geoff Rayner, Pomanara, Current demand and supply fundamentals, driven by Sally’s Flat with currency movements, textile growth, economic health of his champion key consuming regions and relative profitability of wool sale ram at this operations, are not showing any clear direction as to year’s Goulburn Great Southern where the wool market is likely to head in the short to show with medium term. Rabobank’s Richard Wilson While early indications are that retail apparel and Michael consumption is improving and the price competitiveness White. of wool relative to other fibres has returned to long term Photo courtesy averages, prices have continued to move within a small Southern Weekly band over the six months, to May 2004. Magazine Excess capacity (although this has improved slightly during the first quarter of 2004) for early stage processors, significant semi-process wool stocks held by mills and adverse currency movements have been the key impediments to stronger demand for wool, despite wool sitting at 50 year lows. upon one market, but also because of the buying Latest official forecasts for Australian wool production in behaviour of the region. the 2003-04 year, indicate production will be down 10 per cent on the previous year to 450 million kg (mkg), a Chinese buyers are known to alter buying patterns, as slight improvement on previous forecasts despite their ability to pay higher prices for raw wool has been lingering drought conditions in parts of NSW. restricted by tighter margins further along the value chain. The outlook for 2004/05 is for a 4 per cent rise to 470 kg indicating that supply may have bottomed. This Buyers have sought wool from smaller wool producing is the first rise in production in 14 years and is being regions such as Argentina and South Africa at a lower driven by improved cuts/head and stronger opening flock cost to wool from Australia. numbers in line with better grower conditions. Additionally, Chinese buyers have dealt with the In addition to the abovementioned variables, the key fluctuating price of wool in the Australian market, caused element to understand in the wool market for now and by shifting currencies and supply volumes through indent the future is China. The development of the Chinese pricing (simply sitting behind the market). textile market has seen it become the dominant player in Going forward, the market will see stronger buying at the global wool industry. market prices from China if it is confident of improved China is the largest consumer of wool globally, as well as market conditions and a permanent recovery in retail the third largest producer of raw wool. Although wool demand, not only domestically but also from important imports to China from Australia by volume have fallen by wool consuming countries such as US and Europe. 20 per cent over the last year, the strength of China's There are suggestions that the Chinese wool industry position in the wool demand matrix was cemented late may, in late 2004 through to 2005, expand its combing last year, when it became the largest consumer of capacity. Whilst some of the facilities will be new plants, Australian wool for all micron categories. others will be built from acquisition of plants from other Of particular note was China passing Italy in 2003 in regions, which are finding it difficult to compete having the largest market share for 19 micron and finer (including Australia). wool. China's role for future wool consumption cannot be This is reliant upon the outcome of the recent under-estimated - its market share for Australian wool announcement by the Chinese government to limit credit exports for the season to March 2004 was over 39 per lines to the textile industry. cent. In an attempt to cool investment in the economy, the Whilst a large proportion is semi-processed to be re- focus had initially been on the industrial and construction exported to spinning and weaving in other countries, a industries but has now incorporated textiles. How this significant amount of Australian wool is also purchased may affect greasy wool trading will depend on whether to blend with the coarser grown wool of China, which imports are exempt and what the impact is upon tends to be 22 micron and over. processing operations. The International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) is of the opinion that China could potentially build its capacity to control 75 per cent of world textile production. This Contact your nearest does raise concerns, not only due to an acute reliance branch on 1300 30 30 33

merino Rabobank National Merino Ram Show & Sale, Dubbo 24-26 August 2004 3 merino Newsletter of The NSW Stud Merino Breeders’ Association2004 Shows Sydney Sheep Show The Supreme Exhibits The Schute Bell Badgery Lumby Trophy Grand Champions SUPREME MERINO EXHIBIT ULTRAFINE Demondrille, Murrumburrah Grand Champion Ultrafine Wool Merino Ram RAS of NSW Awards Emoh Ruo, Bundarra Best Merino Ram Demondrille, Murrumburrah Reserve Grand Champion Best Merino Ewe Tara Park, Boorowa Merryville, Boorowa The Tom Culley Award Grand Champion Ultrafine Wool Merino Ewe Best Junior Merino Exhibit of the Show Greenland, Nimmitabel Langdene, Dunedoo Reserve Grand Champion The Stonehaven Cup Grathlyn, Hargraves Best Exhibit of Five Merino Sheep, 3 rams & 2 ewes SUPERFINE Tara Park, Boorowa Grand Champion Superfine Wool Merino Ram Westvale, Wollun Merryville, Boorowa Emoh Ruo, Bundarra Reserve Grand Champion The Bruce Merriman Memorial Prize Westvale, Wollun Best Exhibit of Five August Shorn Merino or Poll Merino Sheep Grand Champion Superfine Wool Merino Ewe Boonoke, Deniliquin Westvale, Wollun Pemcaw, Dunedoo Reserve Grand Champion Winyar, Canowindra Grathlyn, Hargraves The Otway Falkiner Cup Best Exhibit of Five Poll Merino Sheep, 3 rams & 2 ewes FINE Barrackville, Yass Grand Champion Fine Wool Merino Ram Quamby Park, Walcha Demondrille, Murrumburrah Glenleigh, Yass Reserve Grand Champion NSW State Finalist 2004 - Emoh Ruo, Bundarra National Merino Pair of the Year Competition Grand Champion Fine Wool Merino Ewe Boonoke, Deniliquin Tara Park, Boorowa Reserve Grand Champion The Most Successful Exhibitors The Sir Walter Merriman Memorial Prize Emoh Ruo, Bundarra Most Successful Exhibitor in Open Superfine FINE MEDIUM and Fine Wool Classes Merryville, Boorowa Grand Champion Fine Medium Merino Ram The Mungadal Award Towalba, Peak Hill Most Successful Exhibitor in Medium Reserve Grand Champion and Strong Classes, Merino or Poll Egelabra, Warren Boonoke, Deniliquin Grand Champion Fine Medium Merino Ewe The Sir Frederick McMaster Memorial Trophy Wantana, Boorowa Most Successful Exhibitor in Merino Section Reserve Grand Champion other than Superfine, Extra Strong, Nerstane, Woolbrook Poll Merino and August Shorn MEDIUM Merryville, Boorowa Grand Champion Medium Wool Merino Ram The Schute Bell Trophy Boonoke, Deniliquin Most Successful Exhibitor in August Reserve Grand Champion Shorn Merino Sheep Section Wanganella, Deniliquin Boonoke, Deniliquin Grand Champion Medium Wool Merino Ewe Most Successful Exhibitor in August Tara Park, Boorowa Shorn Poll Merino Sheep Reserve Grand Champion Quamby Park, Walcha Langdene, Dunedoo Most Successful Exhibitor in March STRONG Shorn Poll Merino Sheep Grand Champion Strong Wool Merino Ram Roxanna, Birriwa Boonoke, Deniliquin Reserve Grand Champion Goolgumbla, Jerilderie Champion August Shorn Ewe RAS/ASC Merino Grand Champion Strong Wool Merino Ewe Auchen Dhu Park, Uralla Sheep State Judging Boonoke, Deniliquin Champion March Shorn Ram Final 2004 Demondrille, Murrumburrah Reserve Grand Champion 1 Matt Bunyan, Booligal Boonoke, Deniliquin Champion March Shorn Ewe 2 Craig White, Walgett POLL MERINO Tara Park, Boorowa Grand Champion Poll Merino Ram Champion August Shorn Poll Ram RAS/ASC Merino Roxanna, Birriwa Old Cobran, Deniliquin Fleece State Judging Grand Champion Poll Merino Ewe Champion August Shorn Poll Ewe Final 2004 Barrackville, Yass Willandra Poll, Jerilderie 1 Sarah Mortimer, Champion March Shorn Poll Ram AUGUST & MARCH SHORN Walcha CHAMPIONS Roxanna, Birriwa 2 Timothy Robinson, Champion August Shorn Ram Champion March Shorn Poll Ewe Grenfell Boonoke, Deniliquin Willandra Poll, Jerilderie

4 Sydney Sheep Show 2005 ~ 16 - 19 March merino and SalesNewsletter of The NSW Studmer Merino Breeders’ Association no Great Southern Goulburn Supreme Exhibit Demondrille, Murrumburrah Grand Champion Ram Demondrille, Murrumburrah Reserve Grand Champion Ram Tara Park, Boorowa Grand Champion Ewe Tara Park, Boorowa Reserve Grand Champion Ewe Grathlyn, Hargraves Supreme Poll Merino Exhibit Roxanna, Birriwa Grand Champion Sale Ram The Supreme Exhibit in Sydney and The Privett family's Glenleigh, Yass, Pomanara, Sallys Flat Goulburn from the Davis family's exhibited the champion August shorn ram Res. Grand Champion Sale Ram Demondrille stud, Murrumburrah, at this year's Goulburn event, held above Merryville, Boorowa displayed by Andrew and Patrick Davis. right by Graham Privett. Group 3 Sale Rams Merryville, Boorowa March Group, 2 Rams & 2 Ewes Tara Park, Boorowa August Group, 2 Rams & 2 Ewes Grogansworth, Bowning Champion March Shorn Ram Demondrille, Murrumburrah Champion August Shorn Ram Glenleigh, Yass Champion March Shorn Ewe Tara Park, Boorowa Champion August Shorn Ewe Grogansworth, Bowning Most Successful Exhibitor - Open Merryville, Boorowa SYDNEY SUCCESSES: Boonoke's Bruce Merriman prize winning team which includes the NSW Pair, is shown by Bill Newton, James Osborne, Jim Coward, Jocelyn Harriage and Most Successful - Restricted Angus Munro. Royalla, Wallendbeen

Guy Evans of Goulburn Ram Sale 2004 Tara Park, Vendor Summary Boorowa holds the Stud Sold Top Average stud's Best MERRYVILLE, Boorowa 24 18,000 4041 Ewe of this DEMONDRILLE, Harden 4 3400 1900 year's Sydney AVONSWORTH, Gunning 2 2750 2750 Royal. MERRIGNEE, Boorowa 8 2700 1975 BARRACKVILLE, Yass 7 3200 1800 STILLBROOK, Crookwell 2 3000 2000 WINROCK, Gunning 3 2400 1567 GOULBURN TARA PARK, Boorowa 2 2100 1550 TOP PRICE WINYAR, Canowindra 4 2100 1233 The top priced WOOLAROO, Yass 2 1600 1600 ram of POMANARA, Sallys Flat 2 1600 1600 Merryville is PEJAR, Goulburn 2 1400 1000 held by Wal GLENLEIGH, Yass 8 1500 886 Merriman, LOST RIVER, Crookwell 3 1400 1100 pictured with Victorian BILLA BURRA BURRA, Yass 1 600 600 buyers, CONRAYN, Berridale 3 900 700 Michael OTTERBOURNE, Yass 2 800 (2) 800 Collins, Mt BONTARA, Gundagai 2 1000 750 Bute, Linton, OLD COBRAN, Deniliquin 2 800 800 and Ian and ROCKDALE, Canowindra 2 700 650 William Plush, Totals 70 $18,000 $2191.00 Kerrsville, Coleraine. E&OE

merino Photos Page 5, courtesy Southern Weekly Magazine - ph: 02 6921 6977 5 Newsletter of The NSW Stud Merino Breeders’ Association

mer no The next week, Peter and Marcia Wienke, "Kurrajong Merino Milestones Vale", Girral, sold lambs dressing 23 kg to a record $113. Livestock agent, Geoff Chandler of Kevin This year's Supreme Merino at the Royal Easter Show Miller & Co, said "in the last 10 years we have seen from the Davis family's Demondrille stud, some tremendous strategies employed by Merino Murrumburrah, has been blade shorn, cutting 13 kg breeders - those who breed a self replacing Merino of 16.9 micron wool. Since winning grand champion flock can do a magnificent job with their Merino wether superfine March shorn in its first showing in Bendigo lambs. Last week, Merino lambs, only just making last July the ram went on to take the Supreme award tradeweight, but supplementary fed on grain, made up at all outings since - Goulburn, Canberra and Sydney. to $90 with an average weight of only 19.5 kg." Barry and Gavin Walker, "Ledgerton", Yass recently At Wagga Wagga the same week, Neil Roberson, sold 4000 superfine ewes at $125 per head for use as "Fairview", Mangoplah sold 100 lambs, July/August the buyer's foundation breeding flock. The October- '03 drop, March shorn ($15 wool cut), Ninuenook shorn mixed-ages ewes were sold in lamb in a deal blood, for $129. brokered by Landmark Copeland Medway, Yass. Mick and Wendy Inder, "Wattle Grove", Dunedoo In the Merino S.A.® National Progeny Testing Program, sold July/August '03 drop wethers, off shears, at coveted Gold Merit Status has been awarded to a Dunedoo on 9 June topping at $100 to average $93 Ringmaster sire from Merryville stud, Boorowa. to Southern Meats, estimated to dress 24 kg. On Ringmaster progeny were subjected to visual and Langdene blood, the lambs cut a 5.2 kg average of 19 measurable traits and the sire's superior breeding micron wool. values calculated on a BLUP sire model. Since 1984, only 282 rams have been awarded this status. Jon and Colleen L'Estrange, "Inglewood", Condobolin, winners of the Condobolin and Central Export quality fat Merino lambs have been topping West ewe competitions, cut an average of 10.1 kg for from $103 to $113 at Forbes Midstate sales during the 535 head at the flock's March shearing. Late last June. At one of these, Tony and Rhonda Milgate, year the one-year-old culls from the winning drop "Rockvale", Parkes, sold a pen of Haddon Rig blood fetched $144, the pen of 275 Genanegie blood ewes 1 year-old off shears that topped at $107.60. topping the local breeders surplus sale. Tough new Rural Crime Laws Rural Crime Wool, Hide and Skin Dealers Act 2004 Investigators Criminals in the wool, hide and skin trade are the target cast an admiring eye of new laws recently passed through the NSW over Parliament. The Wool, Hide and Skin Dealers Act 2004 Demondrille’s will tighten regulation of the industry, protecting the Supreme interests of the State's farming communities and honest Champion of traders. this year’s Sydney Sheep In announcing the new laws, Minister for Police John Show Watkins said, "The new laws will clean up the industry, making it easier for police to track stolen stock and goods, and lock up the criminals responsible. "Our Pastoral and Agricultural Crime Working Party recommended the new laws, which were the subject of extensive industry consultation last year. The Act brings this area of rural law enforcement into the 21st Century, The Working Party's contribution to rural law and order replacing legislation that was almost 70 years old." reform has included the deployment and training of 33 Rural Crime Investigators (RCIs) across 26 Local Area The new laws will commence in September in agreement Commands. with the industry and these changes will transfer administration of licences from the courts to NSW Police "Police tell me our RCIs are continuing to make in-roads and ensure that: into rural crime across the State, achieving several major • Dealers in wool, sheep and cattle skins and hides are stock theft victories recently," Mr Watkins said. licensed "But there's more to be done in the fight against rural • Licensees pass checks on age, capability, and crime, and the Working Party will continue in 2004." criminal and financial history Further information: Bron Steel, Senior Rural Crime • Licensees keep detailed records of suppliers Program Officer, NSW Police, ph (02) 8835 9135 or your (individuals and companies), and local Rural Crime Investigator. • Licences are renewed every three years.

AWI 7th World Merino Contact: Organising Committee Conference- Perth AWI 7th World Merino Conference And Stud Merino Breeders Association of WA Ltd Pre-Conference Tour PO Box 135 CLAREMONT WA 6010 Ph: (08) 9384 6466 • Fax: (08) 9384 2606 28 June to 14 July 2006 Email: [email protected]

6 NSW Merinos - Proven Genetics merino merino Newsletter of The NSW Stud Merino Breeders’ Association

Your Say.... Sheep Brand Contamination Barry Walker Sheep Brand Contamination - a lasting problem Ledgerton Merino Stud, Yass Despite the specification in the "AWEX Code of Practice - Wool market in general. The Woolclasser", that any wool with sheep branding or The wool market from a growers' point of view is , historically, marking stains must be removed from all other wool, a cyclical market. buyers and processors are still finding problems with Various issues affect the market, supply and demand being unscourable colour from livestock brands in the Australian the basic one, but there are also world levels of economic wool clip. activity and the world has been in a very constricted economic The requirement to remove wool containing brands and position since 9/11, and even before that. correctly identify those lines, comes from the wool Woolgrowers have also had a very difficult decade since the processing industry. It has been noted that colour from the demise of the Floor Price. branding of sheep, as it is often applied, is not scourable We have had two wool markets - one is the undersupply of and is causing great problems, with even one small portion medium to broader microns which has been in short supply of contamination sufficient for the entire lot to be since the dissolution of the stockpile. The prices have slipped downgraded/discounted. somewhat but those wools have received a relatively better price than fine wools over the last two years. This wool must be removed regardless of: • the product used On the other hand, the finer wool types have been over- • the amount of brand present supplied in that time, partly due to drought and partly as a • when it was applied to the sheep result of breeding programs. There has also been a difference • how weathered the brand may appear, or in fine wool due to artificial (drought) hunger fine wools of • regardless of any statement on the packaging of poor quality but low micron. the product. So, the market is not all that complicated when looked at in these terms. All woolclassers are requested to be more vigilant in Where we are at the moment. preventing contamination resulting from brands and The fact that new frontiers can be reached for fine wool, and marking agents on wool. Expressing dissatisfaction with the are being aggressively pursued, is a positive thing for the preparation standard of good carding wool, buyers and industry both at the grower level and the processor-to-retail processors have informed AWEX that more and more level that holds some promise for the future. There is demand coloured marks resulting from brands that are not being here to produce good quality wools and I think we will find properly removed during classing are being found to that the cyclical factor will start to kick in and we'll see a contaminate otherwise clean wool. resurgence in demand for wool downstream, particularly fine, One wool buyer noted, "Contamination from brands is not but for all wool. only a problem in top lines but also in carding types. All The global market. possible steps should be taken to prevent sheep brands I have just returned from Europe and it was very interesting to from contaminating the clip in the shearing shed. This see that, although confidence is still shaky in the processing includes classing branded wool in one line in accordance world, many of the large processors are receiving more orders with the "AWEX Code of Practice - The Woolclasser", and are at least running their mills for a greater number of encouraging wool producers to use branding fluid on sheep hours per week than they were 12 months ago. stock only where necessary, and ensuring any branding I don't think margins are any better, and therefore profits are occurs with a light application according to product not yet showing up, but it was very encouraging to see more directions. throughput from the mills and sufficient orders to keep the mills rolling, albeit at a price reduction. Synthetic fibres do not have the quality So, I think we are seeing the start of some cyclical-type (contamination) problems associated with greasy recovery. Many pundits would also hold that view. or processed wool. On China and America. We must protect our wonderful and unique The Chinese are certainly taking a lot of drought affected fine product. wool and appear to be seeking them out at current prices. The Europeans still have, and I believe will continue to have, If the Woolclasser observes brands within the wool during a market for well grown sound wools at all micron levels. skirting and classing, they must remove the contaminated Many in the industry are hopeful that the American economy portion and segregate it to a "BRANDS" line and mark the may build on the early signs of recovery because it is a very bale as "BRANDS" only. If there is insufficient wool to make large wealthy market which has been considerably depressed up a bale of brands, then the contaminated wool should be since 9/11. If confidence levels continue to improve in the placed in the Bulk Class bale. It is very important that a United States then that will hopefully flow through to the bale of sheep brand contaminated wool is pressed up and purchase of more garments at retail and increased recovery. only branded as "BRANDS", and nothing else. Barry Walker, a director of The Woolmark Company has also held Note: The current Code of Practice is being updated to numerous other agricultural, community and local Government clarify the requirement to separate and remove sheep positions. Breeding Merinos on his Ledgerton stud at Yass, he is also a brands during wool preparation. partner in Highlander Farm from whom Loro Piana recently purchased the world's finest bale of Merino wool, the third time Highlander Farm For more information, woolclassers, brokers, or growers has been eligible for Loro Piana's World Wool Record Challenge Cup to should contact AWEX on ph (02) 9428 6100, or Email: be decided in December. Highlander Farm has won this cup twice since [email protected] inception in 2000.

merino NSW Merinos - Reliable Bloodlines 7 merNewsletter of The NSW no Stud Merino Breeders’ Association Riverina Merino Ram Preview Narrandera in September The Riverina Stud Merino Field Days Association has a Club has top facilities to new president, David Taylor (right), co-principal of provide a good day out Pooginook stud, Jerilderie, who was elected at the for visitors to overview group's AGM earlier this year. the best stock from all This enthusiastic group's priority is to organise the annual the Riverina Studs. Merino displays and Ram Preview which this year will "Visitors to the move to the Narrandera Race Club. September Ram Preview The Open Day on Friday, 10 September, is designed to will see the finest allow commercial sheep breeders the opportunity to breeding stock from learn more about the productivity and benefits of the thirty studs and see first Riverina Merino breed. It will also present the opportunity hand why there is money in the Riverina Merino and its to view the best of the rams to be sold during the winning trifecta traits, - fibre, frame fertility. The breed Riverina Merinos' on-property September Spring Ram offers a dependable history of wool cutters, meat Sale Calendar. producers and robust, big-framed replacement ewes with an unmatched fertility record." David Taylor says the group is pleased with the location chosen for this year's event, "The town of Narrandera is Further information: Wendy Spencer, in close proximity to the sheep/wheat belt, allowing us to executive secretary RSMFDA, ph (02) 6959 1180 take our sheep to the clients, and the Narrandera Race or email: [email protected]. For free newsletter service visit www.riverinamerino.com.au

The March-shorn flock is classed by Barry Crouch, Ewe Beaut "Milby", Condobolin. SMBA Medallion to Best in the Central West Runners-up in the group competition were Greg and An association bronze medallion has been awarded to Chris Burke, "The Kars", Yarrabandai, winners of the winners of the 5th annual Central West PA&H Trundle's competition with their Pooginook/ Condomar/ Association Merino Ewe Competition, Jon and Colleen Kirks blood ewes classed by Tom Kirk, "West Borambil", L'Estrange, "Inglewood", Condobolin. Condobolin. As winners of Condobolin's Don Brown Memorial Ewe The SMBA medallion was presented to Colleen and Jon Competition in February, the L'Estranges became L'Estrange (pictured below) by NSW SMBA vice eligible, along with winners of the Parkes, Trundle and president, Rob Lindsay. Peak Hill competitions, to contest this title. Feeding the key in Peak Hill ewe comp Judges, Cooma-based sheep classer, John Williams In late February, the 13th annual Merino ewe hogget and Rob Lindsay, Cora Lynn stud, Peak Hill competition conducted by the Peak Hill Branch of NSW complimented Jon and Colleen on their very well grown Farmers was judged by Barry Crouch, "Milby", and even mob of ewes that showed great bold wool Condobolin and Henry Armstrong, Pemcaw, Dunedoo. and depth of body. First place was awarded to biodynamic farmers, Ray Jon L'Estrange said that their aim is to produce heavy and Judi Unger, "Waratah", Peak Hill. The Westray cutting Merinos with high lambing percentage to blood flock classed by Ray Cannon, "Westray", Peak Hill capitalise on surplus sheep sales. The flock must not showed little sign of a drought year with outstanding be too complicated and must fit in with the Inglewood staple length and very little dust penetration. Ray cropping programme. Unger expected the flock to cut approx 8 kg of 20.5 "We're after large frames, quick maturing for the lamb micron wool. market, good woolcutters and overall, sheep that suit He depends heavily on sheep to control weeds on our environment", he said. fallows in his biodynamic farming system. They must The flock's lambing percentages of 99.5 and 120 per ensure that they carry sufficient fodder as it is almost cent over the last two years have been achieved on impossible for a biodynamic farm to source properly half the average rainfall and from the complete drop of certified hay and grain for stock feed. This has been a 1485 ewes, June-July drop 2002, 517 were retained. successful strategy. The sheep have been fed very little in the past twelve months and Ray and Judi have been able to sell hay and grain. Runners-up were James and Lesley Jelbart, "Penryn", Peak Hill for their Westray blood flock. The flock were well grown and capable of excellent wool cuts. Ian and Julie Westcott, "Inglenook", Peak Hill were awarded third place. Their Tara Park/Manderville/Kiah blood flock achieved an exceptional marking percentage of 150 per cent. Ian said good January- February rain provided excellent stands of lucerne for a March joining. Best short wool entry went to Glenn and Christine Pugh, "Gundongs", Tomingley for their Roseville Park blood flock.

8 NSW Merino Breeders - Breeders of the Modern Merino merino