Sire Evaluation
Background
Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association (AMSEA) trials provide the opportunity for objective comparisons to be made between rams from different studs by evaluating their progeny for sheep type, structure, wool production and carcase traits. The progeny are all run together in the same environmental conditions that typify SA Merino production with all male progeny marked. The SA site was established in 2017 and is important for South Australia’s Merino industry given no other public Merino sire evaluation trials occur in SA. The site makes an important contribution to genetic improvement for Merinos in SA. Supported by Merino SA, the trial is an accredited sire evaluation program run under the rigorous design, recording and data evaluation protocols of AMSEA. There is significant interest in the site from both SA and interstate ram breeders, with the quality of rams entered of very high calibre.
Location
Keyneton Station, Keyneton hosted the inaugural trial in 2017 and again in 2018. Since then two years of trials have run each at McPiggery, Lameroo (2019-2020) and the Eckert Family at ‘Mentara Park’, Malinong (2021-2022). The trial has remained at Turretfield Research Centre, Rosedale since 2024.
Turretfield Research Centre, located in the southwestern Barossa Valley region of South Australia, is run under the auspices of SARDI and PIRSA, 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 1expression 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 are classed prior to joining to ensure an even line. The Turretfield Research Centre is a non-mulesed site.
Breeding Objective
Rams will be capable of producing progeny with 18-21 micron fleece at 12 months with at least 4kg of wool from 8 months growth from an easy-care plain bodied sheep. In addition, progeny should be capable of achieving 22-25kg carcase weight at 10 -12 months of age. Ewe progeny will be capable of high natural conception rates when first mated at 18 months.
Site Contacts
Stephen Kellock - Site Chairman - 0427 438 138
Anna Cameron - Site Coordinator - 0403 747 332
Bill Walker – Site AMSEA Representative - 0428 973 804
SA Merino Sire Evaluation Field Day
Friday 12th June 2026, Turretfield Research Centre, 129 Holland Rd, Rosedale SA 5350
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