Merino sheep industry sees growth in dual-purpose demand

The Australian Merino industry is seeing increased interest in dual-purpose genetics as sheepmeat prices reach near-record highs and the wool market shows strength.

At the Royal Adelaide Show, Greenfields Merino and Poll Merino stud, Hallett, and Terrick West Poll Merinos were recognized in the Merino Fibre Meat Plus competitions. Greenfields secured first and second place for the highest overall scores, judged on both fleece quality and carcass measurements. The top-scoring ram, Greenfields M50204, recorded a 20.8 micron fleece and high visual scores for both wool and carcass.

In the commercial sector, Merryville’s 27th annual on-property sale in Boorowa saw strong results driven by a buoyant wool market. A total of 105 lots were sold, with the top price reaching $10,000 for Merryville 891, a two-year-old ram. This top price was nearly double the previous year's high. The sale highlighted the demand for rams with both superfine wool characteristics and strong physical structure.