Genomics drive new generation of Merino seedstock breeders

A new generation of Merino seedstock breeders has undertaken the challenge with determination through objective measurements to benchmark by way of dollars per hectare.

Rivers Hyde, now 23, discovered the power of genetics as a jackaroo at Trigger Vale stud in 2014, at Lockart in NSW, where genomics remain fundamental to Trigger Vale stud principal Andrew Douffler’s breeding objectives.

“Andrew has changed his breeding towards dual-purpose types with a new emphasis on fat and muscling to run higher dry sheep equivalent numbers per hectare,” Mr Hyde said.

Returning to his parents’ Ongerup sheep and cropping farm in 2015, full of ideas, the WA College of Agriculture — Cunderdin 2013 graduate was keen to make a new beginning with the farm’s Merino production.

Initially, the Hyde family began with a makeover of their traditional flock with an infusion of Hyfield Poll Merino ewes before an opportunity arose earlier this year to acquire an entire stud from the Wilson family, of Kojonup.

“This included 900 stud ewes and 380 ewes and ram lambs which were Merinotech blood, a similar type to Trigger Vale,” Mr Hyde said.

“As I found out, Merinotech and Trigger Vale both use Nextgen Agri consultant Mark Ferguson so we are all talking the same language.”

Mr Hyde was pleased his new flock of ewes had a high level of twin pregnancy scans with just under half of the flock scanning 143 per cent.

“We are being prolific at understanding management groups and sending exact data to Merinoselect, for our Australian Sheep Breeding Values,” he said.

“As I aim to offer rams through the Merinotech breeding direction, and as I represent a new generation of sheep farmers that are governed by dollars per hectare, it is these principles which will guide my way.”