Merino SA honorary member and former -president and, Julian Southey, received the prestigious “National sheep farmer of the year” award at a gala dinner held on 16 November in Bloemfontein. Julian (middle) farms in the Middelburg EC district with his two sons, Robert (right) and Stuart (left on photo). He strives for high fertility in his Merino flock of 4 000 Merino ewes, and maintains a weaning percentage of well over 100%. The other two finalists were Nicholas van der Merwe, Merino farmer from Colesberg, and Lodie van Reenen, Clocolan. Merino SA wishes to congratulate the Southey family and is proud of this well-deserved achievement.