SA Merino Sire Evaluation field day to show high performing sires

More than 460, 2018-drops will be displayed in their 16 sire lines at the field day at Keyneton Station, which has hosted the trial for the past two years.

The sheep have all been run under the same conditions since birth and measured for a range of wool, carcase and growth traits.

Guest speakers will include Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association executive officer Ben Swain, who will discuss the value of sire evaluation trials to breeders.

He will also provide an update on the Merino Lifetime Productivity Project.

Trial site host Joe Keynes will discuss how the sheep have been managed through a very low rainfall season.

"Whilst they have been hand fed for virtually all of summer the tough season has highlighted some of the variation and given us a good indication of the animals that can perform under these conditions," he said.

'It will be really interesting to see them put into their (sire) groups, which we haven't done yet, but seeing the sheep come into the race there is plenty of variation in frame and wool types."

He says two of the poorest seasons on record had made it challenging to host the trial but was pleased to see McPiggery at Lameroo continuing it as the 2019 hosts.

"Over time there should be some really interesting trends and people's confidence in what they are seeing will grow- that is where the real value will be," Mr Keynes said.

The field day at Keyneton Station runs from 11am to 3pm.