WA sheep studs received significant exposure to the Eastern States last week when Landmark hosted a tour around the State for its New South Wales and Victoria-based stud stock representatives.
Over three days the WA Breeding team and local Landmark representatives and agents co-ordinated the event that saw them inspect 67 studs (Merino, British and Australasian, Prime SAMM, Dohne and Dorper) at nine locations.
Landmark Breeding representative Mitchell Crosby said the aim was for their Eastern States counterparts to view WA sheep and provide a forum for them to meet WA stud breeders.
"Not only was it great opportunity for both the Eastern States representatives and local agents to see what is coming through the studs but it also turned out to be a great networking opportunity for the Eastern States representatives and the breeders," Mr Crosby said.
"We're really appreciative that they could make the time to come over and have a look and also a thank you must go to the breeders for co-operating and taking their sheep to central locations.
"Hopefully we can make it a regular event as we believe it is great for the WA studs to get the exposure."
Landmark New South Wales stud stock representative Rick Power was one of the Eastern States Landmark representatives who made the trip across and said it was a great opportunity to get over and see what sheep are on offer in WA.
"It was also a great networking opportunity with the breeders and the local Landmark WA representatives and agents," he said.
"We are hoping to make this a biannual event and hopefully identify a few more people to come next time.
"It is an ideal time for us to come over, as we are in a bit of a quiet period, before our season starts."
Mr Power said he was very impressed with the line-up of rams they saw across all breeds and there were some real standout sires.
"I think the WA sheep have really improved over the years," he said.
"I certainly noticed a dramatic improvement in the quality of the Poll Merino rams in particular, compared to when I was here six years ago and when I worked here 10 years ago.
"The Poll Merinos really stoodout, they were beautiful headed polls and I don't think you would find any better.
"You can really see the wise investments WA breeders have made in genetics is paying dividends and having a huge impact in their flocks."
Stud Merino Breeders Association of WA president Steven Bolt said from a Merino breeder's point of view it was pleasing to see stud stock representatives from NSW and Victoria come across to WA and see what was on offer.
"We would preferably like to see them at our specific field days, but understand that at that time they are busy with their own field days and sales, so it makes it impossible for them to get over, therefore this is probably a good solution to help get WA sheep exposed," Mr Bolt said.
Mr Bolt said from the reports he had heard the group was impressed with the quality of sheep they saw.
"It was a good initiative by Landmark to help expose WA studs to Eastern States representatives and we have to thank them for this," Mr Bolt said.
Equally as happy with the outcome of the tour was Poll Dorset and Prime SAMM stud breeder Chris Squiers, Shirlee Downs stud, Quairading.
Mr Squiers said it was great to have some Eastern States stud stock representatives interested in looking at WA genetics.
"It was also pleasing to hear they had some positive comments on the sheep and liked what they saw," Mr Squiers said.
"We hope it is not the last time they do it."
Jodie Rintoul
Farm Weekly's livestock manager.
Farm Weekly's livestock manager.
