January 9, 2015
The 68th annual Great Southern Supreme Merino show and sale is shaping up to be a success, boosted by favourable seasonal and market conditions, according to major sponsor Rabobank.
The specialist agribusiness lender has been throwing its support behind the prominent sale since 2003, maintaining the view that the event is key in setting the tone for the stud industry sales and shows for the coming year.
Rabobank Goulburn branch manager Richard Knight says the Great Southern Supreme Merino show and sale has already sparked interest among the woolgrowers in the region.
“Given the rainfall and the season southern NSW is experiencing, there is a fair bit of optimism among wool growers at present which is likely to be felt at the sale,” Mr Knight said.
“The Great Southern always draws a high calibre of rams – which obviously attract a good line-up of buyers – and this year we are expecting a strong sale. This is a good sign for the industry as we turn the page into a new calendar year.”
The show will take place at the Fitzroy Pavilion at the Exhibition Park, Canberra, commencing at 1pm on Saturday 17 January running through until 5pm Sunday 18. The Ram Sale kicks off at 11am on Monday 19 January.
The Rabobank team will be pitching in to help with the running of the event. Mr Knight says it’s a great way for his colleagues to mingle with the local producers and agents as well as contribute to an important event in the local community.
“We always look forward to the time when Great Southern rolls around because it’s the start of a new year, people are usually back from their breaks and ready to get stuck into it,” he says.
“Not only is the day a good chance to see some excellent quality stock, it’s also a chance to catch up with people after the Christmas break.”
Looking ahead, Rabobank expects that while there are some supporting factors for the wool market, such as a continued decline of the AUD/USD which is forecast to dip below 80c in six months, unfortunately many of the demand headwinds that saw a steady market for apparel wool in 2014 will likely remain in place in 2015.
Rabobank is cautious also that until improved seasonal conditions help to rebalance supply, premiums for the ultrafine types are likely to stay under some pressure.
Mr Knight says that Rabobank remains committed to the sheep and wool sector for the long-term, with the sponsorship of the Great Southern Supreme Merino show being a strong reinforcement of the bank’s support of the industry.
Rabobank Australia & New Zealand is a part of the international Rabobank Group, the world's leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. Rabobank has more than 115 years' experience providing customised banking and finance solutions to businesses involved in all aspects of food and agribusiness. Rabobank is structured as a cooperative and operates in 41 countries, servicing the needs of approximately 10 million clients worldwide through a network of more than 1600 offices and branches. Rabobank Australia & New Zealand is one of Australasia's leading rural lenders and a significant provider of business and corporate banking and financial services to the region's food and agribusiness sector. The bank has 94 branches throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Media contacts:
Denise Shaw
Media Relations
Rabobank Australia & New Zealand
Phone: 02 8115 2744 or 0439 603 525
Email:
denise.shaw@rabobank.com
Jess Webb
Media Relations
Rabobank Australia & New Zealand
Phone: 07 3115 1832 or 0418 216 103
Email:
jess.webb@rabobank.com