HOST LOCATIONS

Keyneton Station (2017-2018 drops)

Keyneton Station, Keyneton were the inaugural host of the 2017 drop followed by the 2018 drop. Managed by the Keynes Family, Keyneton Station is located in the eastern Mount Lofty Ranges and receives an average 500mm in a winter dominant pattern. In 2018, Keyneton only recorded 351mm rainfall. The Keyneton Station ewes are 65-70kg and produce 19-20 micron wool. The ewes mated for the trial were sourced from primarily a 2.5 year old age group and were classed prior to joining to ensure an even line.

McPiggery (2019-2020 drops)

McPiggery, Lameroo hosted the 2018 and 2019 drops. Managed by the McMahon Family, McPiggery is located in the Murray Mallee region of South Australia and receives an average 320mm rainfall in a winter dominant pattern. In 2018, Lameroo (Austin Plains weather station) only received 208mm, 227mm rainfall in 2019, and an improved 356mm rainfall in 2020. The McPiggery ewes have a mature weight of 70-75kg and produce approximately 20 micron wool. The ewes mated were sourced primarily from a rising 3-4 year old age group and were classed prior to joining to ensure an even line.

Mentara Park (2021-2022 drops)

Mentara Park, Malinong hosted the 2021 and 2022 drops. Managed by the Eckert Family, Mentara Park is located in the Coorong/Murraylands region of South Australia. The site receives an average 425mm rainfall in a winter dominant pattern. The Mentara Park ewe is purposely bred to be highly fertile, free-skinned and twice-yearly shearing capable. They have a mature weight of 70-75kg and produce approximately 20 micron wool at 65-70% yield depending on the season. The ewes mated were sourced primarily from a rising 3-4 year old age group and were classed prior to joining to ensure an even line.

2023 Drop

There was no SA MSE trial run for the 2023 drop.

Turretfield Research Centre (2024 drop to current)

Turretfield Research Centre, Rosedale have hosted the SA Merino Sire Evaluation trial from the 2024 drop through to today. Run under the auspices of SARDI and PIRSA, the site is located in the southwestern Barossa Valley region of South Australia and receives an average 425mm rainfall in a winter dominant pattern. The Turretfield Research Centre ewe is purposely bred from Leahcim and Mernowie bloodlines to be highly fertile, plainer bodied, and they are a good expression of South Australian Merinos. They have a mature weight of 75-85kg and produce approximately 19 micron wool at 60% yield depending on the season. The ewes mated are sourced primarily from a rising 3-4 year old age group and were classed prior to joining to ensure an even line. The Turretfield Research Centre is a non-mulesed site.