Merinos to Match

Introduction | Sites and Results | Trial Protocol I Participating Studs | Contacts A collaborative project between the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) & the Victorian Stud Merino Sheep Breeders Association (VSMSBA). Introduction - What is the best ram source for you? The 'Merinos to Match' project has been developed by the Department of Primary Industries with the Victorian Stud Merino Sheep Breeders Association. The aim is to evaluate a number of studs in sites around Victoria for traits that are important to producers. The guidelines for doing this has been developed to ensure that this trial is credible and fairly evaluates the studs represented. Each 'stud team' (of 24 wethers) is made of sheep from three commercial clients’ flocks. The sheep are selected at random by DPI staff.

Wether trials in Victoria have had a range of objectives from sheep selection competitions to comparing producer’s flocks. Merinos to Match is a first for the Victorian wool industry. It has a clear objective – to help producers evaluate studs in their environment so they can buy rams with confidence. It won't be the same place for everyone, as everyone has different objectives, a different environment and different characteristics to select for.

AWTA Ltd (external link) sponsor the fibre measurements of sheep in these trials.

The Victorian Stud Merino Sheep Breeders Association are collaborating with DPI in delivering the Merinos to Match Project.