About | Aust Merino Trial

About the AMPT

The Australian Merino Production Trial (AMPT) is an innovative research initiative dedicated to benchmarking the profitability drivers within sheep enterprises. Over the past two decades, it has become Australia’s largest commercial assessment of sheep genetics.

Central to the AMPT are the Wool Trial Component and Meat Trial Component, which are essential for farmers seeking to accurately assess their flock's genetic potential.

Led by Craig Wilson of Redgum River Pastoral Company, this extensive trial leverages two decades of experience in gathering benchmarking data from over 12,000 sheep nationwide. This process provides participants with invaluable insights into the genetic potential of their Merino flocks.

For the 2025-2027 trial, the AMPT will focus on evaluating the commercial carcass and wool attributes of randomly sampled 2024 drop wether lambs. Each team will be divided into two groups, with 15 wethers allocated to the Fletchers' feedlot at ‘Kiargathur Station’, Condobolin, and the other 15 wethers run on pasture for two years at either Yorke Peninsula, SA, Kiargathur Station, Condobolin, NSW or Temora Ag & Innovation Centre, Temora, NSW.

Trial Protocol Coming Soon

Data Measurement & Analysis

The AMPT provides a thorough analysis of genetic capacity over a two year period.

Wool Trial Component

30 wethers entered in the trial. 15 wethers run on pasture for two years at either Yorke Peninsula, SA, Kiargathur Station, Condobolin, NSW or Temora Ag & Innovation Centre, Temora, NSW.

Meat Trial Component

30 wethers entered in the trial. 15 wethers allocated to the Fletchers' feedlot at ‘Kiargathur Station’, Condobolin

Education & Networking

The AMPT equips farmers with a benchmarking tool, quantifying the genetic capacity of their sheep to enhance future profitability. More than 20 traits and 20,000 records are meticulously measured and analysed across 50 teams, with results expressed in net return per hectare. This allows mixed farmers to directly compare sheep enterprise profitability to their remaining enterprises.

Supporter & Entrant Testimonial

Our company sees enormous value in hosting and also participating in these trials. The benefits of independent benchmarking flows right across the wider Merino sheep industry. We actively encourage breeders to enter this fantastic initiative."

Farron Fletcher,

Fletcher International Exports

Entrant Testimonial

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We have been involved with trials such as the Australian Merino Production Trial for many years and the information supplied back to us is invaluable. The data is easily understood, accurate and worked through independently so you can be confident there are no outside factors influencing the results.

The trial tells you two critical pieces of information, firstly how your own flock performs, and secondly how the bloodline you are using performs under a different production system to your own.

Michael Field,

Managing Director - TA Field Estate