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2009 Genetic Trends

Dubbo Beckoned

Dubbo beckoned for the Meat Elite Australia group this year. The annual conference co-ordinated by well known local breeders John and Margaret Kelly of Marocara Poll Dorsets was a resounding success.

Many of the members commenced the weekend conference with an overnight safari stay at the Western Plains Zoo. During the visit, they heard a presentation about the efforts to identify, control, eliminate and/or rescue the Tasmania devils. This involved considerable scientific research that often paralleled some of the work being undertaken in the sheep industry.

Visits during the weekend involved the Kelly property where members inspected their sheep, discussed innovative practices with the Kelly family, researchers, DPI and trade representatives. Mr. Farren Fletcher, Fletcher International, and staff also provided an excellent tour and information sharing session with MEA and Superwhite members at the Dubbo Abattoir. “His openness in addressing questions surprised us,” said Michael O’Sullivan from the Jewsharp Stud. Michael had attended the conference only days after having part of his property burnt in the disastrous Black Saturday fires.

Presentations from Dr. Alex Ball and Matthew Dwyer from Sheep Genetics regarding LAMBPLAN and the Sheep CRC projects continue to challenge the group’s actions and direction. Dr. Dave Pethick, Murdoch University, travelled from Perth to discuss ‘Sheep Meat Eating Quality’ with the two groups, building on the information shared by other speakers. Later, Dr. Greg McCann veterinary surgeon based at Dubbo discussed embryo transplant technologies and export opportunities for quality Australian genetics. Sandy Morrison, Hermes Poll Dorsets was also able to share his experience in this area, both at the conference and later on property, when members visited his farm.  

In keeping with MEA’s desire to explore innovation and good practice in the sheep industry members visited the Centre Plus Merino Stud at Tullamore. Robert and Mark Mortimer have made impressive gains in their genetic improvement program. George Spring Ardoe Stud was impressed by the pedigree matchmaker technology used to match lambs and ewes. The use of technology was further highlight by Mark’s refinement of data collection when weights were directly loaded into pedigree wizard as sheep moved through weighing scales .’All the information available on a particular sheep was at your fingertips in the yards,’ explained George. ‘It highlights the  benefitof looking outside your industry for new ideas and practices.’  

Members of MEA travelled to the properties of Richard Hawkin, Thurlestone Stud Cookamidgera, where despite dry dusty conditions, he presented a quality line up of unpampered functional dorsets. Many members were impressed by the group’s ram Valma 349/06. He was presented in paddock condition, and is proving very useful in strategic breeding programs. 

The final destination for the group was Felix Rams operated by Rodney and Liz Watt. This stud has a long history at the forefront of the modern meat sheep industry. Members assisted at the end of the day, drafting some eight month old rams that were snapped up by keen commercial producers the next day. Reflecting on the visit and the outcome the next day, Dale Price President MEA said, “the sale of the young rams encapsulated what MEA is really on about – producing quality sires for the sheep meat industry with performance information that is more that skin deep.”

Inspecting Glen Devon Poll Dorsets - L-R Darren Smith 'Farrer' NSW and Meat Elie Poll Dorset breeders: Peter Horwood 'Lockier River' Mingenew WA., Dale Price 'Majardah' Glencoe SA., Roger Trewick 'Pepperton' Elmore Vic., Mary Currie 'Lyndoch Park' Casterton Vic., Ros Funke 'Bundarra' Weston Flat SA., John Kelly 'Marocara' Wongarbon NSW., David Gordon 'Bruan' Condah Vic., and Phil Clothier 'Woolumbool' Lucindale SA.

Meat Elite Australia poll dorset breeders L-R Peter Horwood 'Lockier River' Mingenew WA., Roger Trewick 'Pepperton' Elmore Vic. Dale Price'Majardah' Glencoe SA., Mary Currie 'Lyndoch Park' Casterton, Margaret Kelly 'Marocara' Wongarbon NSW., and Ros Funke 'Bundarra' Weston Flat SA. inspecting Glen Devon Poll Dorsets.