Principal of Koonwarra Merino Stud, Mr Charles Curran AO has announced a joint venture with CT Merriman and Son under which Koonwarra Merino Stud has now been relocated to Boorowa. Koonwarra will operate as a separate operation to the Merriman family's Merrignee Merino Stud.
Mr Curran said the new arrangements had been put in place to ensure that clients of Koonwarra Merino Stud continued to receive the highest possible service and support following former Stud Manager, Ben Lane's appointment as Stud Manager at Uardry.
"Koonwarra will benefit from the management experience and expertise of both Charlie and Jono Merriman, who will take responsibility of the day to day operation of the Stud," said Mr Curran.
"We hold the Merriman family in high regard and believe the interests of Koonwarra clients will be best served by the Stud being run in conjunction with the operations conducted by Charlie Merriman and his family.
"We will maintain our involvement as a participant in the joint venture and Stuart Hodgson, OAM will continue as Sheep Classer for Koonwarra," said Mr Curran.
"Apart from his important sheep classing activities, Stuart will participate fully with Charlie and Jono Merriman in an ongoing AI Program, to continue to upgrade the genetics of the Stud.
"I am confident in the future of the Merino industry and believe that the joint venture will assist in securing that future."
According to Charlie Merriman, the chance to contribute to the growth of the Koonwarra Stud has come at an opportune time.
"For some time we have been discussing the development of a fine/medium wool Stud...we wanted to breed a larger framed animal but always believed it was too far outside of our own genetics, so when the opportunity came along to form a partnership with Koonwarra we jumped at the chance.
"Koonwarra sheep offer some of the best genetics available to Merino breeders who wish to breed versatile large framed sheep, with high fleece weights and good potential for meat production.
"Jono has completed his Advanced Diploma in Farm Business Management at Marcus Oldham and will be at home as a long term participant, therefore this opening gives him the chance to become involved in the Studs with Pip and myself.
"It is an opportunity most young fellows will never have and he will be working with one of the Merino industry's well respected Sheep Classers in Stuart Hodgson.
"I have grown up knowing Koonwarra founder, Mr John Williams who has been a great friend over the years and have always admired his understanding of genetics and breeding skills."
These comments have been echoed by Mr Williams.
"I am delighted to hear of Pip and Charlie Merriman's involvement with Koonwarra," he said.
"They are well-know and respected in the Merino industry having done a great job with their own Stud Merrignee and I am looking forward to their advancement of Koonwarra."
Charlie said he is committed to continuing to service Koonwarra clients and will meet as many clients as possible over the coming months to ensure he has a full understanding of their needs.
"We look forward to the future development of the Koonwarra sheep and will be involved in an extensive show program, which will include Goulburn, Canberra, Sydney, Bendigo and Hamilton."
The annual Koonwarra on-property ram sale will continue to be held in mid October, with the next sale to be on October 13, 2006 at Boorowa.
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