STRONG wool and meat prices have meant more Wimmera farmers are looking at merino enterprises.
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To support the renewed interest, the Victorian Farmers Federation St Arnaud branch will host an information day about the sheep industry next week.
The event is run in conjunction with Australian Wool Innovation and Meat and Livestock Australia.
Organiser Colin Coates said the day would help farmers find out more about forecasts for wool and meat.
“The enthusiasm for wool and meat in this district is once again very strong,” he said.
“To help that momentum and provide some very valuable information for those in the industry or those wanting to enter, we wanted to get some of the best sheep speakers to come and discuss the future.
“The day will also display some of the best sheep in the district.”
Mr Coates said reducing financial risk by running sheep within a cropping enterprise had long been seen as a wise enterprise mix by farmers.
The day will be on March 31 at 3pm at the St Arnaud Sporting Club’s sheep pavilion.
St Arnaud agents will have clients provide 2016-drop merino ewes for discussion and assessment.
Industry speakers will discuss a range of significant topics facing the industry.
The day will also include a merino barbecue and an Australian Wool Innovation fashion parade that will showcase both sides of the industry.
Australian Wool Innovation’s Stuart Hodgson will discuss increasing returns from merinos.
Mr Hodgson has returned from China where he toured processing mills and manufacturers with a group of young wool growers.
Robert Herman will give a market analysis and the economics of growing wool, while Landmark’s John McGrath will speak on stress in stock and calmness in genetics and Agriculture Victoria’s Andrew Kennedy will discuss genetics.
Mr Coates said anyone wanting to attend should call him on 0427 693 329 or Barry Batters on 0418 567 674 before March 25.