He challenges anybody to find another agricultural industry that is more risk adverse to climate conditions.

But what makes him so certain? Genetics.

In the next five years Mr Baldwin sees rapid change within the Merino sheep breed, with single genes set to revolutionise the industry.

“They are saying feed conversion test, black fibre test, muscling and growth markers will all be available for stud and commercial producers in the next five years.”

And once these superior genes have been identified in sheep, Mr Baldwin sees a rapid spread of genetics thanks to artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer.

Mr Baldwin runs Bundilla Merinos across two grazing properties spanning 2000 hectares at Young and Orange, NSW.

The operation carries a flock of 1200 fully pedigree ewes, and a further back-up flock of 3000 ewes, used in progeny-testing stud sires.

For full and related stories see this week's Stock & Land.