Animal Production in Australia 25, 17-20 17 BENCHMARKING MERINO STUDS - THE MERINOS TO MATCH PROJECT F. BRIEN A , J. COURT B , G. HALLAM C , D. KEATING D , L. KUBEIL E , K. KONSTANTINOV A and P. STAPLETON F A Primary Industries Research Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, Private Bag 105, Hamilton, Vic 3300 B Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 879, Seymour, Vic 3660 C Department of Primary Industries, Private Bag 260, Horsham, Vic 3401 D Department of Primary Industries, Private Bag 105, Hamilton, Vic 3300 E Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 124, Benalla, Vic 3672 F Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 483, Bairnsdale, Vic 3875 SUMMARY In Victoria, increasing the amount of reliable information on the genetic merit of Merino studs is important in reducing the risk faced by wool producers when they introduce new sources of genetic material into their flocks. The Merinos to Match project is a set of linked stud comparisons across Victoria designed to quickly lift the availability of reliable genetic information on Merino studs commonly used in the state. Details of the objectives, background, design, implementation and stakeholder involvement in the project are outlined in the paper. To date, 4 sites have been established in different wool growing areas of Victoria, evaluating 29 studs from 4 states. Keywords: benchmarking, genetics, Merinos, studs, wool INTRODUCTION Two of the key steps in conducting a successful breeding program are the identification and use of the best genetic material to achieve the chosen breeding goal. In the wool industry, there are substantial genetic differences in productivity between sources, or studs (Coelli et al. 1996; Clarke and Windsor 1999; Pollard et al. 2002). Many wool producers may, therefore, be able to improve their flocks by changing studs, provided decisions are based on reliable data. No systematic genetic benchmarking of studs has been conducted within Victoria. To date, wool producers have relied on personal experience, stud reputation, sales information, and results from wether trials and privately run comparisons to help decide where to buy rams. Previous wether trials run in the state have not generally been designed as stud comparisons. Exceptions include a trial conducted at Hamilton between 1982 and 1985 (Wilson et al. 1986) and another near Horsham conducted by the Horsham Agricultural Society and Longerenong College Merino Bloodline Comparison 2000-2003 (G. Hallam, pers. comm.). To better target projects on sheep breeding, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in Victoria, in collaboration with the University of New England, recently conducted market research on the breeding decisions of wool producers in Victoria. From this work, Kaine et al. (2002) found that 78% of Victorian wool producers believe that if the environment is changed, then the ranking of studs for fibre diameter and fleece weight can change, perceptions which are clearly at odds with the limited evidence available from research trials (Dunlop 1962). For these wool producers, introducing genetic material from a new stud onto their property that has been bred in a different environment is perceived as high risk. They believe that the relative rankings of sheep bred in different environments are not relevant to how the same sheep would rank on their own properties, hence the perceived risk of introducing unsuitable sheep that can be costly in time and money to remedy. Based on this market research, the DPI has initiated a project to dramatically increase the availability of reliable genetic information on Merino studs commonly used in Victoria, designed to address the key issue of perceived risk for wool producers from testing new genetic material on their properties. Part of the project design is also to assist wool producers make breeding decisions within the context of their existing beliefs and strategies rather than attempt to change their beliefs in the short term. Further, to achieve a high level of industry support from the outset, the Victorian Stud Merino Sheep Breeders Association has been actively involved in the planning and development of the project (called Merinos to Match), and is also part of its ongoing management and implementation. Local