The Elders SA Stud Merino Expo returned to Burra last week, with some of the state’s best stud stock on show.
L-R: Tim's Son Harry Dalla, Collinsville Stud Merinos General Manager Tim Dalla, Collinsville Stud Merinos Director George Millington, Elders Stud Stock Specialist Alistair Keller, Tony Brooks from Brooks Merino Services.
The successful two-day event returned on Wednesday, kicking off with a range of on-property displays across the Mid-North. Studs including Collinsville, East Bungaree, Glenowie, Greenfields, Gum Hill, Nyowee, Old Ashrose, Pindari, Springvale and White Hill all exhibited.
In the evening, everyone came together in Burra to connect with key industry spokespeople and local growers.
Founder and Creative Director of Iris & Wool, Emily Riggs, then took to the stage to showcase some of the latest Woolmark-certified fashion with a fashion parade, in partnership with AWI. Excitingly, this was a first glimpse of Iris & Wool’s 2024 collection.
Tom Penna, Elders Stud Stock Marketing Manager, explained that the Burra Expo is always a great opportunity to catch up with likeminded producers, hear about the latest in the industry, and see some outstanding genetics on display.
“Of the properties we visited on day one, and the additional studs on display on day two, we are seeing some very progressive growers in the game,” Tom said.
“There’s a definite increase and a good combination of studs who are proving to be very strong in data. Overall, the standard of the sheep on display was excellent which is very promising for the coming spring sales.”
On Thursday, Burra Oval was home to a central stud Merino display, with 18 studs showing their promising young rams and top sires to be offered for sale later in the year.
Judging of the Ram and Ewe Pair and the Elders SA Ram of the Year also took place, with a $10,000 cash prize up for grabs.
Hallett-based stud Collinsville Stud Merino took out first place for the Ram of the Year and will now go on to represent South Australia at Bendigo show later in the year.
Tim Dalla, General Manager at Collinsville said winning this award is exciting recognition to kick off the calendar year.
“With our breeding program, we aim to grow a consistent product and it’s an honour for this to be recognised by some of the leading peers in the industry.” he said.
“We believe that by focusing on commercial productivity, this will lead to commercial profitability for our clients.”
“It’s important to us at Collinsville that our clients have success through their purchases and work to build and maintain these long-term relationships.”
Tim Dalla has been dealing with Elders throughout his 16-year career at Collinsville, as well as prior when he grew up on his family’s farm.