Sheep producers invited to explore the latest in Merino genetics research

Sheep producers and industry stakeholders will gather at Turretfield Research Centre, Rosedale, today, Friday 12 June for the annual South Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Trial field day, showcasing the latest advances in Merino genetics and livestock research.

The trial provides a unique opportunity for objective comparisons of Merino rams from different studs by measuring the performance of their offspring (progeny), providing producers with independent, science-based information to support informed breeding decisions that improve flock performance, wool quality and profitability.

Attendees will have the opportunity to inspect progeny from a range of Merino sires and view the latest trial results. Traits evaluated include sheep type and structure, wool production and quality, growth rates and body weight, carcase and meat traits, and body composition, including muscle and fat depth.

The field day will also feature presentations on interpreting sire evaluation results, commercial sheep genomics, wool harvesting research, blowfly eradication efforts, and reproductive and methane emissions research being undertaken at SARDI’s Turretfield Research Centre in the Barossa.

Run under the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association (AMSEA), the South Australian evaluation trial is part of a national network of nine Merino sire evaluation sites located across Australia's major wool-growing regions. Since 2024, the trial has been hosted at Turretfield Research Centre, with SARDI being one of only nine sites selected through the competitive national sire evaluation program.

With South Australia's sheep industries, including meat, wool and skins, generating annual revenue of around $1.3 billion and producing more than 47 million kilograms of wool from around 10 million sheep during 2024-25, continued investment in genetic improvement is critical to maintaining the industry's global competitiveness.

Turretfield Research Centre is home to one of Australia's leading livestock research facilities, undertaking ground-breaking research to support the state's sheep and wool industries and helping position South Australia's livestock sector at the forefront of low-emissions livestock production.

Researchers are investigating a range of approaches to reduce methane emissions from sheep, including feed and water additives, pasture and grazing systems, and other management practices aimed at lowering emissions while maintaining animal productivity, welfare and profitability.

SA Merino Sire Evaluation Trial program is made possible through the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association (AMSEA) and Australian Wool Innovation and is proudly supported by Merino SA and Livestock SA.

To learn more, visit merino sire evaluation trial.