Merinos.com.au
Title
Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders
Description
The Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders Limited (AASMB) is the federal association that represents six state Merino organizations and, through them, the approximately 1500 registered studs in all parts of Australia except the Northern Territory.
The AASMB Council, made up of state delegates, meets twice a year, usually in Adelaide during the September Royal Show and at one other designated state venue in the first quarter of the year. Between meetings, teleconferences are held if necessary. The AASMB maintains a close interest in matters affecting the stud Merino industry and is consulted by and/or gives direction to government, statutory authorities, scientific organizations and individuals, both in Australia and overseas, as required. The Australian Merino Centre in Sydney is responsible for the administration and secretarial functions of the AASMB.
The AASMB was formed in 1959 with the prime object of taking over the production of the Australian Stud Merino Flock Register (known as the flock book) from the NSW Sheepbreeders’ Association (now The NSW Stud Merino Breeders’ Association Limited). This was first produced in 1922 and the broad objective is to maintain records of studs registered by each state association. Merino breeders apply to a flock committee in the State in which they are situated for registration as a Merino stud. Upon approval they are registered in the flock book, and are required to keep records and provide annual returns of the number of sheep in the stud flock, and any additions or disposals of sheep throughout the year. A permanent listing of studs that have been registered and the year the registration was discontinued is also kept.
