This is done through careful and diligent consideration and selection within the Koonwarra stud stock as well as for any external rams introduced into the stud. By undertaking annual visual assessments alongside figure testing and stud benchmarking figures, Koonwarra strives to identify superior stud stock that will benefit a productive Merino industry, both at stud level and in commercial operations.

 

The focus at Koonwarra is to continually move towards a plainer skin type merino to provide freer fleece types while maintaining existing quality fine/medium to medium Merino wool and retaining the staple structure and tip type well established in our stud stock and progeny. All our sires are selected to further drive this continual improvement. 

 

Each year Koonwarra undertakes in-paddock joining alongside a laparoscopic AI program using both stud semen sires and specially selected outside sires that are deemed to be suitable for Koonwarra’s breeding objectives. Since 2014, when Jono Merriman became stud classer, Koonwarra has included sires from One Oak, Winyar 450  Grassy Creek, Glenpain, Charinga, Roesville Park, Nerstain, Tara Park, Claypans, Rangeview (the first poll sire to be used in the stud).