Why it could be Merinos time to shine

Lamb and wool prices might be falling, but Merinos could be the answer to staying profitable, and they’ll be on display this Friday at the breed’s Victorian Field Day.

The ability of Merinos to produce both food and fibre should rate them as the sheep breed of choice.

And it is this scope to earn from wool and meat which makes the breed one to use for risk management according to breeders.

This Friday, almost 40 studs will converge on Marnoo for the Victorian state Merino field days, and president Trent Carter said it was time sheep producers considered just what genetics could best fit their purpose.

“Whether you are a strong wool grower or wanting a superfine fleece, all those genetics will be there,” Mr Carter said.

“It gives people the chance to see the best young genetics that are on offer, and all on one day in one place.”

And as for Merinos, Mr Carter said there was no better time for the breed to show what it could do for the bottom line.

“There are options with Merinos that other breeds don’t have,” he said.

“You can terminate the Merino as a lamb or run it on as a wether and grow wool and that wool is worth something.

“Merinos give you flexibility in your livestock operation and unlike a crop, it doesn’t get frosted.”

Scott Nicholson from Sohnic Merinos at Campbells Bridge is taking more than 20 of his sale rams to Friday’s event and said it was more important than ever that people chose the right genetics.

Scott Nicholson of Campbells Bridge will be taking more than 20 rams to the Victorian State Merino Field day at Marnoo on Friday. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

“It has never been more true that we have a variety of income sources, and with Merinos, if you have to sell the lambs you can keep the wool until prices lift,” Mr Nicholson said.

“Running a true dual purpose sheep ticks a lot of boxes.”

The field day runs from 10am until 4pm and is at the Marnoo recreation reserve.

Scott Nicholson from Sohnic Merinos at Campbells Bridge. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin