About
NSW Stud Merino Breeders' Association (NSW SMBA) formerly known as the NSW Sheepbreeders' Association (until 1979), was formed in 1894 "to deal with any matter conducive to the improvement of the breed and quality of sheep".
Since the commencement of Merino stud breeding in Australia, stud masters and classers have developed a remarkable animal adapted to suit environments from arid dry areas of north west Queensland, northern SA, north west WA to the high rainfall country of southern Australia and all environments in between. Stud masters and classers must be applauded for breeding such a complex animal and the improvement has been nothing short of extraordinary during the last 15 years.
The Modern Merino has now evolved. These sheep are dynamic wool producers of heavy, quality wool, grown on an excellent meat carcass combined with excellent and improving fertility. They are of exceptional constitution and conformation. They are being bred with the latest scientific measurements combined with a common sense subjective approach.
Globally, the wool industry continues to be a large industry of significant presence with the gross margin on well-bred, well-managed Merinos continuing to exceed or equal that achieved by other rural enterprises. With their superb dual-purpose qualities and excellent fertility, Merinos are bringing a return on a par with cattle.
The NSW SMBA is a great believer in sheep shows, ewe competitions, well-run wether trials and sire evaluation studies. Nothing hastens improvement more than robust and open competition. Two major ram sales and three of Australia's major shows are run under the auspices of the NSW SMBA each year.
