Rocklyn prepares for another year

Rocklyn Merino Stud manager, Ralph Diprose, and livestock overseer, Mitch Duffy, have been busy since the inaugural on-property ram sale last year. The main shearing of all adult flock and stud sheep was completed in November 2013 along with the shearing and fleece weighing of the ewe hoggets. This was followed by classing of the ewes in late January, prior to the artificial insemination (AI) program in early February and the natural joining program, which also commenced in February.

The post-weaning shearing and fleece weighing of the young rams (approximately 9 months of age) was completed in March, with the whole mob (unclassed) averaging 17.3 micron, with a standard deviation of 3.00 and a comfort factor of 99.4. Several weeks later in April, the weaner ewes and wethers were shorn and during May and June the wether lambs were sold off, over the hooks.

Rocklyn is now awaiting the arrival of the 2014 drop lambs, expected in July-August. In the meantime, preparations have begun for the 2014 Rocklyn Merino Stud on-property ram sale, to be held on Thursday 11th September. The sale rams will be selected in August, prior to the South West Slopes Merino Field Day on Thursday 4th September, where a sample of the sale rams will be on display. Sires of the 2013 drop of rams coming up for sale in September 2014 include Rocklyn horned sires with poll rams from Bundilla, Leahcim, Toland and Wallalloo Park Studs being used in the AI program.

To ensure you receive your copy of the 2014 Rocklyn Merino Stud Ram Sale catalogue early, please sign up to our newsletter below.