Just tick the box...

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By Dwain Duxson

Just tick the box... -  If you're not in the Lamb selling game, you probably don't know Crossbred Lambs command a 30c/kg premium over Merino Lambs when priced on a grid. Many now think that it's high time that Merinos were treated the same. 

Genetics have changed alot since the price difference was put in place. Merino's, over the last 5 years, have become more of a meat breed with a side income of Wool. Merino's are now plainer, have better growth, and have more muscle than ever. And that's not to say the meat breeds haven't progressed because they have. 

I know plenty of Merino breeders that tick the Crossbred box and get the 30c/kg premium. The processors are smart business people and know that it's a 30c/kg discount on what they would normally pay. That can add up to a lot of dollars to the processor over the space of a year. 

I'm not sure if there is a written rule that needs to be reversed, but it's time the 30c/kg discount was quashed. Thoughts? Perhaps MLA needs to step in. A smart industry person said, "wait until we start selling them on measured eating quality. That's when we will see wide and varied price differences". Until then, just tick the box.....

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