The wethers in the trial were scrutinised on their ability to perform across both the wool and sheep meat sector and a series of calculations were applied.

Organiers of the Peter Westblade Memorial Merino Challenge, Craig Wilson of Wagga said it was a good time to be involved in the sheep and wool industry.

He said high prices in the saleyards and also for the fleece had painted a good outlook for the sector.

Mr Wilson also praised those operators who had made genetic and management improvements to lift the overall productivity of their flocks. 

“The top 10 teams were well balanced sheep which did well in both fleece value and meat value,” he said.

In all the trial attracted 50 teams from throughout Australia and the wethers were run at an Ardlethan property. 

Mr Wilson said it was good to see the Riverina and southern NSW teams do well.

“I think history would suggest that there is a lot of really high performing bloodlines in southern NSW,” he said. 

However, he emphasised that the trial protocols highlighted the fact that high performing genetics always come out on top. Often regardless of the location. 

Meanwhile, he said the shearing event in Wagga, which helped to conclude the trial was well attended.

He said it was good to see the school students and younger generation taking what they could from the event to help further their rural education. 

“We had a really good crowd and the mood was just terrific,” he said.

“There is fantastic confidence out there.”

The shearing in Wagga marks the completion of the trial and there will be another one starting up in April with 50 teams to be scrutinised.