An initiative of Merino SA, the School Merino Wether Competition engages young people in the Merino Industry through a partnership with local stud breeders and local schools. Local studbreeders liaise with Ag Teachers at local schools and assist with inspecting, mentoring and educating students about all aspects of animal husbandry and show preparation.
Many Australian flocks are based on bloodlines developed in the 1800s by South Australian parent studs such as Bungaree, Capeedee, Anlaby and Collinsville. By skilful breeding and selection, the pioneer breeders set down the foundation of the Australian Merino. The Australian Merino is not a single homogenous breed but a number of ‘strains’ of sheep all of which, regardless of their origins, are uniquely Australian.
The major factor determining the Merino’s development has been the requirement for environmental suitability. Few, if any, domestic animals in Australia or any other country have shown such resilience or responded with such versatility and success to this country’s enormous variations in climatic conditions, management and husbandry techniques.
In 2023 more than 230 students from 40 schools participated in the SMWC and many more students were involved with the program at their schools, helping to care for, feed and prepare the sheep for showing. The SMWC is designed to encourage more young people to get involved in the Merino industry. Schools who participate often embed the competition into their agriculture curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the industry, and working closely with local farmers and breeders.
Though many schools performed well at last year’s event, Unity College 1 stood out as a top performer winning the Overall Meat and Fleece – Supreme Pen (John Rothwell Perpetual Shield & Mutooroo Pastoral Co).
In 2024 we will again see over forty South Australian Schools compete in the SMWC. Merino SA wishes all schools a wonderful year of preparation, education, fun, friendship and development through this programme.
Though many schools performed well at last years event, Meningie Area School stood out as a top performer winning the ‘Best Meat Value, Overall Meat and Fleece and Show Team Development categories, and placing well in several others.
In 2022 we will again see close to forty South Australian Schools compete in the SMWC. Merino SA wishes all schools a wonderful year of preparation, education, fun, friendship and development through this programme.
The SMWC will be held in the Stud Sheep Pavillion on Wednesday 4th September 2024.
Copyright © 2022 Merino SA. All rights reserved | Design by The Webineering Workshop