Industry confidence underpinned the Elders SA Stud Merino Expo on Thursday, as producers looked to secure their next line of genetics.
At Burra, 17 studs displayed rams and ewes for producers to view, and SA Stud Merino Expo president George Millington believed after a rocky 12 months for the sheep and lamb industry, Merinos proved their worth.
"It was a bit of an upside-down meat market and in the last six months, the breed has certainly helped producers with its dual purpose element," he said.
"Producers were still able to reach multiple markets."
Mr Millington said the annual event was very important, particularly for producers across the Mid North, to come down and have a peek at the genetics on offer.
"The interest was strong and the evening event hosted by Australian Wool Innovation had an attendance we could have only hoped for," he said.
"It was great to see people invested in the profitability of Merinos."
Mr Millington believed what had recently transpired across the red meat market had been confusing for industry.
"Seeing mutton and lamb fall away so fast during the core selling season and then recover, when most of the stock had been sold, was a bit disconcerting," he said.
But, wool prices had been fairly consistent, according to Mr Millington.
"This helped but the confidence was knocked out of the market a bit and if we could see wool prices improve by about 150 to 200 cents a kilogram, it would go a long way to helping producer confidence," he said.
Elders studstock manager Alistair Keller believed the long-standing event was a big attraction for industry, with many travelling from across the state to attend.
"It is great for people to see young rams before shearing and also, before the sale season begins," he said.
"It provides a chance to grab a few tag numbers and follow the ram through."
Mr Keller believed the pressure of spring-time buying can impact producers, so the event was also a casual environment to find new genetics to suit an operation.
"Commercial guys in particular can look over young rams and look at genetics early without additional pressure," he said.
The solid amount of stud displays also indicated industry confidence.
"The Merino is a dual-purpose animal with a strong future. AWI are doing a lot to promote the breed across the country and overseas, to help maintain markets and open up new opportunities," Mr Keller said.
Vanessa Binks
I am the Markets Editor and journalist at the Stock Journal. I am based at Nuriootpa in SA's lower north.
I am the Markets Editor and journalist at the Stock Journal. I am based at Nuriootpa in SA's lower north.
