Mernowie's studmaster thanks industry for support

Hailing from Mernowie Poll Merino stud, Ian Rowett has cemented his influence on the Merino industry with his thirst for progressive sheep breeding and commitment to promoting the sector in any shape or form.

The Marrabel sheepman began breeding Merinos in 1975 and from that point, the passionate yet humble studbreeder has become a much valued voice among SA sheep breeders.

The prestigious award is usually presented at the Royal Adelaide Show but, because of the pandemic, it was awarded at the 2022 Elders SA Stud Merino Expo at Burra in March.

It was presented by Merino SA management committee member John Daniell who honoured Ian's long contribution to the sector.

"Ian's contributions during this time has been enormous, varied and spanned over 25 years," he said.

"He has become well-known throughout the industry for his thoroughness in completing tasks, often doing some of the detailed and time-consuming tasks that others may have shied away from.

"Ian's integrity and strength is underlined by his commitment to developing the Merino breed since the formation of his stud."

Ian has a stud motto of "breeding with science makes sense" and research opportunities have proved a key focus since that motto began, in 1988.

In 1994, Ian was the SA delegate to the National Wool Council and a regular contributor of ideas to Merino SA.

He strongly advocated for objective measurement for wool entries and spearheaded an objective measurement class for Merino rams at the Royal Adelaide Show.

Research into DNA testing for the black lamb gene and for the horn/poll gene were among other achievements of his.

Ian represented Merino SA on the SA Sheep Advisory Group for more than eight years, including three years as chair.

Upon the restructure of this organisation to an independent Sheep Industry Fund in early 2020, Ian advocated strongly for levy payer control of the new board.

He was elected chair of the new board and maintains that position today.

From 2006-2008, Ian was the SA Stud Merino Sheepbreeders Association - or Merino SA - president, and in that time represented SA on the Australian Association of Stud Merino Sheep breeders.

Ian steered the committee as it recovered from a very difficult period of drought.

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HELPING to develop youth coming into the sheep industry has become a focus of life membership recipient Ian Rowett, as he continues to invest time into securing the future of the sector.

A modest recipient, Ian, said it was a privilege to be a part of the Merino industry and help build its future, saying it was the community that had helped to drive him to become a better breeder and leader.

"It is simply a wonderful group of people - it is a family and I am nothing but proud to be a part of it," he said.

"You never expect to be recognised in this way for something you just love being doing."

Ian said he owed his adoration and long affiliation with the sector to his family, for being there to always support him.

"My wife Roz and son David attend most of the field days with me and any sheep events really - this support allows me to continue doing what I love," he said.

"I am truly grateful for this and slightly overwhelmed by the fact."

In more recent times, Ian has worked closely with SARDI's Simon Walker at the Turrettfield Research Centre, to help improve sheep health.

"I tried to advocate for best practice in sheep health, including creating and strengthening relationships with research facilities such as Turrettfield," he said.

The collaborating duo have also looked at improving the success of Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination programs funded by Australian Wool Innovation, SA Sheep Industry Fund and Merino SA.