Field days capture air of optimism

The Merino ram selling season began with inspection field days last week throughout areas of the southern Wheatbelt and Great Southern.

At the Lewisdale field day, at Wickepin, 8kg to 11kg fleece wools were being freshly shorn and a drone captured all the action in a video production. Stud representative John Sherlock was back on his feet after recovering from his recent stay in hospital.

Travelling further south, Countryman visited six venues for the Great Southern Stud Merino Field Days.

The Sprigg family at East Strathglen in Broomehill welcomed visitors, including the Toovey family, of Cranbrook, who were inspecting for the first time.

“I like the dual-purpose quality,” George Toovey said.

At Mianelup, regular South Australian visitor Peter Meyer, of Mulloorie stud, caught up with stud co-principal Ross Richardson.

Over at Anglesey, Gnowangerup woolgrower Brenton Hinkley said he received 740c/kg for his belly wool pieces and was thinking how he could run more sheep.

At Willemenup, Dion Letter said he had plenty of wethers in his wool production system.

Borden woolgrower Jaxon Peakall was impressed with the size of the Barloo rams.

At Woodyarrup, Boyup Brook woolgrower Chris Rhodes admired the quality of the pen of Merino rams selected for the Elders Four competition.

All and all, woolgrowers were in good spirits on account of recent rains. Although paddock feed is short, the crops are sprouting and talk of higher wool prices continues to spread optimism.