THE World Merino Insight conference next month will bring delegates from across the world together in Adelaide, where they will share ideas and hear about cutting-edge research.
Every four years the World Federation of Merino Breeders holds its conference, but the Insight idea was unanimously supported at the last WFMB conference held in South Africa in 2014, in an effort to bring the 13 member nations together on a more regular basis.
The inaugural six-day event will be held on September 4-9, in conjunction with the Royal Adelaide Show.
WFMB president Tom Ashby says the Insight will be an exciting event, with delegates coming from across Australia and overseas.
“There should be a lot of information from different sheep breeding nations we can take away,” he said.
“We are all breeding for different environments, but we all have a common goal of improving our Merino flocks so we will be able to share ideas and work out the best way forward.”
Merino Insight co-chair John Daniell says it will be a tremendous opportunity to see a wide spectrum of the nation’s Merino genetics, with SA, NSW and Vic studs displaying their sheep at the Innovation Day at Murray Bridge.
There will also be an outstanding line-up in the Adelaide ram sale and feature breed judging.
Mr Daniell says the Merino industry is the “shining light” of agricultural commodities in price, and it has been great to see many 2016 on-property ram sales reach “fever pitch”.
“It is a great time to be in the industry and great to see those who have remained in sheep being rewarded,” he said.
The event has drawn tremendous industry support led by presenting partners Australian Wool Innovation and Thomas Foods International.
INSIGHT PROGRAM
Sunday, Sept 4: Welcome reception sponsored by Rabobank.
Monday, Sept 5: TFI Merino Innovation Day in conjunction with Classings Classic sale, Murray Bridge.
Tuesday, Sept 6: Global Merino Unity Conference and AWI World Merino Insight conference dinner, Hilton Adelaide.
Wednesday, Sept 7: Royal Adelaide Show visit to watch Merino feature breed judging and receive a behind the scenes tour of the show. Rabobank evening drinks including fashion parade from tafeSA students and AWI.
Thursday, Sept 8: Second day at Royal Adelaide Show or industry tour of Adelaide surrounds, including visit to Michell Wool processing facility, Salisbury.
Friday, Sept 9: SA Stud Merino and Poll Merino ram sale, Adelaide Showground
- Details: Registrations at worldmerinoinsight.com