MERINO sheep breeders can inspect the progeny groups of leading industry sires in the Balmoral Breeders Field Day Bonanza next month.

Over two days and three sites, breeders and growers will see 5000 Merinos from 113 sire progeny groups.

The bonanza will be the last chance for growers to view the 5-6 year-old ewes from the Merino Lifetime Productivity Project – the world’s biggest Merino project.

Balmoral Sire Evaluation Group chairman Mark Bunge said the bonanza will start on 17 February with the final MLP field day at Tuloona Pastoral, Harrow, in south-west Victoria from 1-4 pm. The field day will feature the 2015 and 2016 drop ewes from 50 sire progeny groups.

Mr Bunge said some interesting results will be released on progeny comparisons between sires on conformation, longevity, wool quality and cut.

“Some bloodlines have started off well and then waned, and others have started poorly and improved over time.

“It is interesting how it has all changed over the years.”

Tuloona Pastoral is located at 4580 Coleraine-Edenhope Road, Harrow.

From 6pm at the Hamilton Exhibition & Conference Centre, an industry dinner will be held with Australian Wool Innovation and Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association speakers. Cost will be $45 per person.

On 18 February, a sire evaluation field day will be held at Austral Park, 121 Austral Park Road, Tarrenlea, from 10am-noon, to view 2021 drop progeny and continuing from 1-4pc at Jigsaw Farms, at Hensley Park to see the 2019 and 2019 drop sheep.

Due to COVID restrictions, no catering will be provided and it is recommended that guests purchase lunch and refreshments between properties on their way through Hamilton.

Attendees will be asked to provide evidence of COVID-19 double vaccination or an exemption at the events. RSVP is essential.

For current event information visit and to RSVP click here.