TOP SIRE 2025–2026 NSW SMBA TRUST GRANT PROGRAM SUCCESS IN THE MERINO INDUSTRY The NSW Stud Merino Breeder’s Association Limited Trust continues to partner with the RAS Foundation to provide worthy grants and scholarships. The NSW Stud Merino Breeders’ Association Limited Trust is proud to have partnered with the RAS Foundation (RASF) to assist two community organisations in 2025. In late 2024, the NSW SMBA Trust disbursed a total of $33,437 to the RAS Foundation to contribute to the Community Futures Grant and fund a scholarship through the RASF Rural Scholars program. With our help, two industry associations successfully obtained funding through this grant program. The newly-formed Commercial Merino Breeders’ Association was one of the successful recipients and will support Merino flock ewe competitions across the state. There are now 20 competitions run across various regions of NSW, offering excellent networking and learning opportunities for commercial sheep producers. The Dubbo National Ram Sale Association was also successful in their bid for funding to support the NSW School Wether Challenge and the many schools from across the state who take part. More than 70 schools will take part in the 2025 NSW School Wether Challenge, with students converging on the Dubbo Showgrounds in August to compete. In addition to these grants, the NSW SMBA Trust gladly endorsed Amelia McCrabb as the 2025 RASF Rural Scholarship recipient. Hailing from Avenel Merino and Poll Merino studs at Wanganella, Amelia is in her final year of Veterinary Science studies. The NSW SMBA Trust has proudly supported the RASF Rural Scholarship program for a number of years, recognising its success in aiding regional students who are acquiring skill sets that benefit the agricultural and animal industries. – 136 –
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