TOP SIRE 2026–2027 CLASSER PROFILES in the Riverina region of NSW, where he is involved in his family’s Bluebush Poll Merino Stud. Tom previously managed Australian Food and Agriculture’s Wanganella and Poll Boonoke studs, where he was able to learn under the guidance of respected sheepman, including Forbes Murdoch, Justin Campbell and Angus Munro. His father, Ian Lilburne, has also been an influential figure throughout Tom’s career in the industry. Tom firmly believes their knowledge, experience and dedication to the Merino industry have played a significant role in shaping his understanding of sheep breeding and classing. He has developed a strong skillset in sheep assessment, flock improvement and livestock management and is committed to breeding quality sheep that combine wool excellence, structural soundness, fertility and overall profitability. Through Tom Lilburne Sheep Classing and Livestock Services, his practical approach to sheep classing focuses on selecting animals that can deliver longterm genetic improvement and perform under tough conditions. M: 0439 109 387 JIM MECKIFF Founded in 2019, JM Livestock was established by Jim Meckiff to provide independent advice grounded in best practice and proven research and development outcomes for Australian sheep, wool and prime lamb producers. At the heart of the business is a strong appreciation for productive Merino sheep and the results that can be achieved when sound genetics are paired with exceptional management. Jim believes a cornerstone of progressive flock development is thorough visual classing from “nose to toes” to identify functional faults, conformation issues, flystrike risk and overall suitability against breeding objectives. Undertaken at yearling or hogget stage before joining, this process lays the foundation for more disciplined and effective selection. With experience across NSW DPI, industry service organisations and agribusiness, Jim brings deep expertise in Merino breeding, classing and flock development. He has managed AMSEA and Merino Lifetime Productivity sites, contributed to major wether and production trials, including the Australian Merino Production Trial, and delivers industry extension advice as an accredited adviser for the AWI Flystrike Extension Program and a Lifetime Ewe Management facilitator. Known for translating research, development and extension into practical on-farm outcomes, Jim helps producers improve selection, accelerate genetic gain and strengthen flock profitability through visual classing, ASBVs, genomics and EID-based technologies. M: 0428 332 280 ANGUS MUNRO Angus Munro is a passionate Merino breeder who aims to breed a balanced, productive and profitable Merino sheep. Son of late sheep classer Ian Munro, he started his career in the Merino industry under the guidance of some of the industry’s leading breeders, including Woodpark, Uardry and Egelabra. He worked in various roles including jackaroo, stud groom, overseer and eventually manager, where he was fortunate to work alongside some of the Merino industry’s most respected sheepmen, gaining valuable knowledge and skills along the way. In more recent years, Angus has been involved as stud manager at Wanganella and Poll Boonoke and is the current stud breeding manager of the studs. Alongside this role Angus operates a sheep classing and advisory business and also owns and manages a mixed farming operation near Mendooran in Central West NSW with wife Rowena and family. Angus focuses his visual classing on a balanced approach of structural soundness and conformation, whilst maintaining wool quality and cut on a dual-purpose frame. He assists both – 32 –
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