In a first for the event - at Bendigo, Victoria, from July 17-19, six of South Australia's leading Merino stud principals are crossing the border with a selection of sheep to show visitors to the Merino display tents just what the fuss is all about.

South Australia Merino Association executive officer Gordon Miksza says what makes the SA Merino stand out is its unique combination of positive performance attributes in frame size, fertility, heavy wool cuts and plain bodies.

"With the SA Merino strain being primarily developed in the Mid North of SA, the strain has adapted to the variability and harshness of the environment to not only survive but thrive," he said.

"So with the State being at the continual mercy of drought conditions, farmers have an animal that has foraging ability and a constitution to perform strongly."

He said the Merino industry was being buoyed by the prices being paid for lamb and mutton and, while the wool price could be better, there were encouraging signs appearing from the export market that higher prices may be around the corner.

"We all know that rural industries have been doing it hard, and now the world economy is throwing up challenges for everyone to meet in their day to day activities," Mr Miksza said.

"This uncertainty provides an opportunity to re-evaluate, restructure and re-energize and the Merino industry is no different, it needs to do the same, although it need not throw the baby out with the bath water."

SA Merino studs displaying sheep at Bendigo include: Greenfields, Hallett; Collinsville, Mt Bryan; Orrie Cowie, Warooka; Ridgway Advance, Bordertown; Roemahkita, Cummins; and East Bungaree, Hallett.

Merino studs from Victoria and the Riverina will also be displaying sheep in the tents.