AWN 
Article by Brett Cooper and Scott Thrift
Last week, twenty AWN sheep and wool specialists, wool clients, and representatives from AuctionsPlus, Stocklive, and Neogen visited eighteen Merino Studs through the Central West of NSW. An informative three days were had by all, looking at a whole lot of different breeding genetics as well viewing firsthand AWN stud clients’ operations.
With Bendigo, Hamilton and Dubbo National Sales coming up in the very near future, the tour was a great opportunity to inspect rams that will be offered in these sales.
Staff and clients travelled from Victoria and NSW for the three-day tour, which provided a great networking opportunity amongst woolgrowers and staff.
One of the staff members attending was Tom Simmons who travelled from Geelong for the three-day event.
“The AWN tour of Merino studs in the Central West of NSW provided a great insight into the genetics, management, and environment in which these studs are operating in. A great deal can be learnt about what genetic traits drive gross margins and how they can be applied to various environments across Australia. As an individual who is new to the Merino stud industry the knowledge gained from this tour is invaluable and has improved my skill set both on farm and in an advisory role. Additionally, the many contacts made within the industry from being on the tour will continue to prove invaluable in years to come.” Tom commented.
One of the principals of the exhibiting studs, Spike Orr of Gundarimbah Merino and Poll Merino Studs at Parkes also commented on the success of the tour.
“I just wanted to thank you and the team at AWN for inviting Gundarimbah to be a part of the inaugural AWN Central West Stud Tour. It was a great event for us to showcase our sheep to all that attended on the day. As an emerging stud, it is important for us to take every opportunity to put our sheep in front of people that haven’t previously seen them or only seen a small selection at field days or shows. I think the greatest strength of the event is the fact that although those attending aren’t on property for long, they still get a good chance to view the depth of the sheep available while also getting insight into what the breeding objectives are of each stud they visit. It is also no doubt, a good chance to meet the people behind the sheep and cultivate relationships.
As an emerging stud, it is important for us to take every opportunity to put our sheep in front of people that haven’t previously seen them or only seen a small selection at field days or shows. I think the greatest strength of the event is the fact that although those attending aren’t on property for long, they still get a good chance to view the depth of the sheep available while also getting insight into what the breeding objectives are of each stud they visit. It is also no doubt, a good chance to meet the people behind the sheep and cultivate relationships.
It was particularly pleasing to see some younger staff in attendance, and I know it would have been a great opportunity for learning for them as I’m sure there was plenty of discussion in the vehicles between stops about the merits of each of the studs they visited. This I have no doubt will place AWN in a good place going forward, as I can foresee a shortage of people in our industry with a lack of hands-on practical knowledge and those businesses that have the staff that can not only evaluate an animal’s commercial value but also its genetic potential will have a distinct advantage over their competitors.”
One of the organisers, Scott Thrift, sheep and wool specialist from Narromine commented: “I enjoy organising these field days as it is very informative for our network and clients to look at a diverse range of breeding genetics that are available for to take our valued clients to for sourcing genetics from purchasing stud or commercial rams or semen.”
During the month of June, AWN sheep and wool specialists visited twenty-six Merino studs through the Central West and Riverina of NSW as part of two stud tours in the respective regions.
AWN would like to sincerely thank all the studs involved in the tours over the month for opening their doors to their operations and being part of what is sure to be an annual event.
