The Australian Merino is the most prolific fibre producer of any of the wool-producing breeds of sheep in the world and is the most important genetic resource for the sheep industry of Australia .  Not only does the Merino produce the vast majority of Australia ’s wool, but also around 60% of the genes of the lambs slaughtered for meat production in Australia are derived from the Merino.   It seems inevitable that the Australian Merino of the future will need to be much more than an efficient producer of wool.  The relative contribution of wool and meat to profitability of Merino flocks is changing and there is now considerable interest in the improvement of the carcase and reproductive performance of the Merino.  Due to the low previous selection pressure on carcase and reproduction traits there is large genetic variation for these traits within the Australian population there is therefore scope to improve these traits.

In 2005 we decided to start the development of a Merino that is adapted to the harsh Mallee conditions, that produces sub 20 micron wool and produces high numbers of lambs that reach saleable weight by weaning or soon after.  This project, which we term Mallee Meat Merino is in its infancy but over the next few years we plan to develop this line and start selling commercial rams.  We have started with a mating this year of 25 hand selected Merino X SAMM ewes mated to an Afrino ram.  The Afrino is the latest of the South African breeds to hit Australian soil and is reportedly South Africas best kept secret.  The Afrino is renowned for its hardiness and maternal attributes and we believe they can contribute significantly to the development of our ideal Merino.

	The Afrino Ram purchased in 2005
White Bright Merino style wool at 19.6 micron

     For further information on this latest project please contact us