Feed supplements, genetic technology and future Merino production system challenges will be all under the spotlight when growers gather for the MerinoLink Conference on June 21 in Goulburn. 

The event will be followed by a field day on June 22 at Gunning showcasing the upright shearing platform.

Conference co-ordinator and MerinoLink chief executive officer Sally Martin said commercial producers would hear how MerinoLink research project outcomes could be incorporated in their enterprise to lift profitability.

“There will be plenty of tips and tricks on using the new technologies available in the market place,’’ she said.

“Speakers will be also looking at the additional profit and genetic gain to be made from using electronic identification.

“And, pasture is not forgotten with trends in pasture genetic improvement to be covered. Keynote speaker, Meat and Livestock Australia managing director Richard Norton, will outline how levies are being invested in Merino production supply chain. Australian Wool Innovation trade consultant Scott Carmody will set the scene for the wool industry with an insightful talk on the truth behind the wool market.

The newly unveiled ASKBILL web-based program developed by the Sheep Co-operative Research Centre will be explained by Lu Hogan. The tool predicts pasture growth, animal performance and risks of flystrike, worm infection and weather stress.

NSW DPI technical specialist livestock systems Phil Graham will round out the afternoon sessions with future Merino production system challenges. An upright shearing platform developed by southern NSW woolgrower Grant Burbidge will be a highlight of the MerinoLink field day at “Merrill’’, Gunning. 

Designed to increase efficiency in the shed, the moulded fiberglass platform streamlines wool handling, with no dragging or bending putting less strain on the shearer, and increasing the efficiency of clip preparation.