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Studs set to bring their best at field days

Headshot of Bob Garnant
Bob GarnantCountryman
At the 2017 Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days sire evaluation display were Muresk Institute farm manager Brad Meagher, field days livestock co-ordinator Brett Jones, Curtin University student Georgia King, Heiniger shearer Todd Wegner and Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association executive officer Ben Swain.
Camera IconAt the 2017 Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days sire evaluation display were Muresk Institute farm manager Brad Meagher, field days livestock co-ordinator Brett Jones, Curtin University student Georgia King, Heiniger shearer Todd Wegner and Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association executive officer Ben Swain. Credit: Bob Garnant

The Bayer Avenge Ram Shed is always abuzz with excitement at the Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days, with livestock fans taking stock of the progressive sheep industry showcase.

Within its dedicated livestock areas, which includes the neighbouring Milne Marquee, this year’s Dowerin Field Days is set to host a range of activities designed to add value to any mixed farming enterprise.

Livestock co-ordinator Brett Jones said some of WA’s best studs would be displaying their top animals at the two-day event, with producers able to compare and assess rams for their own breeding aims. He said recent strong prices for sheep and wool had renewed people’s interest in running sheep.

“Studs have enthusiastically improved their stock for commercial producers’ interests,” he said.

With technology advancing at great pace within the industry, Muresk Institute’s support of the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Project will also draw interest at the event, with 12 representing sires’ progeny to be shorn within the Bayer Avenge Ram Shed and figures assessed.

Top-gun shearers will then use the latest Commander Ag-Quip shearing module plus the full range of Heiniger gear to sweep the evaluated wool off the floor, with the fleeces to be weighed and then displayed.

Rural Data Management Services will be demonstrating how to use the collected information from these progeny within farm management.

In addition, youth education is an important element of the Dowerin Field Days livestock areas, with Australian Wool Innovation’s Junior Merino Judging in the Milne Marquee on Wednesday, August 29 at 1pm.

Sheep and wool producers will also have an opportunity to acquire early inspections of some 20 Merino and Poll Merino studs in the Bayer Avenge Ram Shed before sale season kicks off in earnest, plus additional meat sheep studs displays in the Milne Marquee.

In addition to a range of innovative displays in and around both venues, visitors will be able to pack in all the latest industry updates from Australian Wool Innovation.

Dandaragan Sheep Handling Systems will be showcasing its range of labour-saving handling equipment, while Chatfields Tree Nursery will be taking orders for the popular fodder shrub Anameka, as well as other salt-tolerant shrubs.

Mr Jones said a host of sponsors had put in a considerable effort to welcome visitors, including Bayer Animal Health and Milne Feeds, with the best of the industry within easy reach.

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