Benchmarking Merino studs - the Merinos to Match project

Abstract

In Victoria, increasing the amount of reliable information on the genetic merit of Merino studs is important in reducing the risk faced by wool producers when they introduce new sources of genetic material into their flocks. The Merinos to Match project is a set of linked stud comparisons across Victoria designed to quickly lift the availability of reliable genetic information on Merino studs commonly used in the state. Details of the objectives, background, design, implementation and stakeholder involvement in the project are outlined in the paper. To date, 4 sites have been established in different wool growing areas of Victoria, evaluating 29 studs from 4 states.