Great Southern Merino Sheepbreeders Association, Media Release, 29 July 2022
Given the high escalation in the price of pedigree pups, pay rises are certainly well overdue for dogs who are renowned for being the hardest workers. A Working Dog Auction being held at the 2022 Rabobank Expo & Ram Sale should help push up purchase prices.
The 2022 Rabobank WA Sheep Expo & Ram Sale is to be held on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th August in the Ram Pavilion, Katanning Leisure Centre.
Known as the largest Merino event in Western Australia with over forty studs on display, the addition of a working sheepdog auction should boost visitor numbers to the annual show.
Jim Harradine, Working Dog Auction Coordinator, is thrilled with the response from both dog breeders and potential buyers in the lead-up to the event –
“Blake Robinson and I have been planning this auction since mid-last year. Together with West Coast Wool and Livestock, we have managed to put it together and are very excited about the upcoming auction. We are privileged to have been invited to conduct our auction in conjunction with the Rabobank WA Sheep Expo & Ram Sale.”
An even bigger boost this year sees the return of international and interstate visitors who had dropped off the guest list due to Covid travel restrictions. The Great Southern Merino Sheepbreeders’ Association which coordinates the event, will be offering a big warm welcome back to WA.
AWI, National Events Manager, Wendie Ridgley, is delighted to return to the show this year –
“The Rabobank WA Sheep Expo & Ram Sale is definitely a highlight on our AWI event calendar. Not being able to attend for the last two years, has been disappointing, and confirmed that the Merino wool industry relies on connection, not just innovation to succeed. Networking is an important and integral part of AWI, and I am proud to be able to facilitate this as part of my event management role.”
The feelings are mutually shared with Merino WA Stud Breeders who recently had unrestricted travel to compete in the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo. Thirteen studs nominated a combined total number of fifty-two sheep and the sheep were all transported together. Though the WA distance may seem isolated, the opportunity to collaborate certainly resulted in a strong team from the west forming and several WA breeders came home with a few wins.
Stud breeders returning from Bendigo reestablished that WA Merino breeding continues to be a strong competitor in the Australian industry. It is therefore timely that nominations for show competitions are now open for the 2022 Rabobank WA Sheep Expo & Ram Sale.
Popular championship events include the Rabobank Best of Five, Shire of Katanning & SMBA WA Supreme, Nutrien Junior Ram, Elders Expo Four, and Elanco ProRam and ProEwe.
Just as popular is the Rabobank Sundowner and AWI Casual BBQ Dinner where guests dine amongst the Merinos on the show arena floor.
Finally, the WSD Agribusiness Ag School Challenge provides students the opportunity to be individually mentored by a Merino Stud for the morning, prior to Merino sheep judging. A privilege for not only students but also for stud breeders to engage and inspire the next generation in Merinos.
Incoming Great Southern Merino Sheepbreeders’ Association, President, Gavin Norrish, is proud to take on the new role and optimistic about presenting a successful show for this year –
“With no Covid restrictions on venues or people currently, it should be a more enjoyable and easier event to manage for all involved. I look forward to meeting up with our fellow stud breeders and extending a warm welcome to those joining up from the eastern states and overseas.”
Ultimately, no Merino sheep or working dog would not even be seen or sold without the generous contributions of sponsors, community groups, and volunteers. Although the Rabobank WA Sheep Expo & Ram Sale is only a two-day event it can take up to twelve months to organise. Working for that length of time and that closely with all involved has certainly made a strong and successful Merino network in Western Australia that we can all be very proud of.
For further inquiries please contact admin@gsmsa.com.au or 0428 361 366
