Merino SA offers a wide range of services to all stakeholders and members in the meat and wool industry.
Merino SA has a Merino genetic improvement plan. This is a comprehensive, industry-wide programme that provides breeding programmes for the breed improve production and reproduction simultaneously. It also documents the physical statistics, breeding performance and bloodlines of individual specimens. The genetic improvement plan serves to continuously improve the Merino breed in South African through testing and identifying the top bloodlines and individual Merino ram sires within the country.
In addition to controlled tests, veld ram clubs and shows or measuring production, the industry also utilises Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) technology in their quest for genetic improvement of the breed.
Merino SA also compiles and manages a national sire ranking system that documents the performance of individual sires. In the quest for improvement of the breed, the industry also awards prizes to specimens within various categories at national shows. The national Merino Classic show provides breeders with the opportunity to showcase their best specimens. The show is held annually and the venue changes from region to region annually.
Merino SA also has a system of accredited advisors to assist members. Each of Merino SA’s nine regions has a list of qualified, accredited Merino advisors who are available for advice about breeding and farming with Merinos. Merino SA also publishes an annual Focus journal and publicises information about the annual auctions and other industry related events.
Sheep farming is done all over South Africa, but is traditionally concentrated in the more arid regions of the country. Although the income ...