By Bronwyn Hastings

Merino sheep and wool judging, production trial results and industry innovation were showcased as last week’s Victorian State Merino Field Day at Marnoo.

Field days president Trent Carter said about 600 people attended the event, which was organised and run by the Marnoo Stud Breeders Committee for Victorian studs.

“We were absolutely overwhelmed with the day,” he said.

“Obviously, the weather leading into it was a little bit daunting, but it cleared and we had really good feedback from both stud and trade exhibitors on the success of the day.”

Mr Carter said the event, the seventh annual, featured guest speakers Craig Wilson and Jason Tromph.

“Craig Wilson spoke on the Merino Production Trial, which was fantastic – it’s testing over 90 different bloodlines, and then we had Jason Tromph talking about more lambs from ewe lambs,” he said.

“It’s an exciting topic leading into this year with the cost of replacement ewes and potentially utilising new lambs and expanding numbers within a flock. 

“We got good feedback from that, and also working on the next generation – we had Ballarat Grammar, Longerenong College and Stawell Secondary College there.

“There were about 50 students who were there learning, we had an educational tour there for them as well.”

Mr Carter said the crowd was consistent throughout the day, with more attendees than last year. 

“Trades were also up by a few, we had a really good mix of a variety of trades sites there on the day, covering all aspects of agricultural and livestock industry,” he said.

“We had a couple of studs who couldn’t be there, but they said they would be back on deck next year. 

“There’s also been early indications of a couple of studs who attended this year, in a purely visiting capacity, who said they’re keen to attend next year.” 

At the event, Mt Challicum’s Ben Hartwich judged Orrie Cowie the champion Hogget Ram, Glenpaen Merino and Poll Merino Stud was reserve, and Terrick West Poll third.

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