IT’S been three long years since Gamadale Australian White Sheep Stud has had a presence at the Mallee Machinery Field Days.
The Lascelles-based stud is looking forward to once again showcasing some of their top rams, ahead of their September 22 sale.
Third-generation farmer Ben Rowney said the stud had been working hard behind the scenes with their breeding program, producing some great results as they continue to integrate new technologies to maximise the performance of their genetics and flock management.
“From the breeding side of it, every sheep, ewe and lamb is matched by both their physical features and pedigrees,” Mr Rowney said, noting science played an important role in complementing breeding traits.
The Rowney family were somewhat pioneers when it came to breeding Australian White Sheep, producing their first lambs in 2012.
The unique breed, derived from Van Rooy, Texel, Poll Dorset and White Dorper, emerged with the Australian landscape and climate in mind.
“They are one of the hardier breeds and adaptable to a lot of different climates,” Mr Rowney said, adding they thrived in the hot, dry Mallee environment which was also very cold during winter.
When the Rowney family invested in the Australian White Sheep more than a decade ago, they were looking for a breed which would complement their existing broad acre farm.
“We learnt a lot from my father having a Poll Dorset stud, Damaras and also a White Dorper stud,” Mr Rowney said.
“This defined the type of sheep we wanted to breed when the Australian White breed began.”
He said the rise in popularity among the breed could be attributed to several factors.
“They’re a self-replacing, low maintenance breed,” Mr Rowney said.
He said they they didn’t require shearing or crutching, allowing more time to focus on their cropping program.
While the Australian White Sheep is renowned as a hardy breed, their meat quality has been likened to Wagyu, with low fat melting points.
“The meat quality is very good,” Mr Rowney said.
“It’s by far the best we’ve had.”
Last year the stud broke its previous top-priced record at its annual sale, with an interstate buyer purchasing the top ram for $27,000.
Mr Rowney said new breeds often resulted in apprehension, but said it was a similar situation when direct drilling began to take over from conventional farming methods.
“People are a little sceptical at first and there’s generally a slow uptake when it comes to new things,” he said.
With the rising costs and labour shortages associated with wool production, Mr Rowney said the benefits of shedding sheep could not be underestimated.
“It’s one of those things; once you make the move, you’ll look back and question why you didn’t do it sooner,” he said.
