Lachlan Merinos

Lachlan Merinos 2010 (PDF 412 kb)

Flock History

For over 20 years, Lachlan Merinos have been selecting for an early maturing sheep, which we believe is vital for modern sheep breeders, in terms of the major financial gains that can be made by selling merino lambs in the fat lamb market. This principle also has benefits in maiden ewes, with improved conception rates.

In 1994, ABC Landline produced a story about Lachlan Merinos selling merino lambs into the Sydney restaurant market. Lachlan Merinos were pioneers in this area, decades before the merino industry were selecting for not only wool quality, but also for early maturity and meat.

Selecting for deep crimping, heavy cutting and silky white wools at 13 months of age.

Originally founded on Peppin bloodlines, with infusions of Mandalay (Roseville Park) Banavie, Wallaloo Park, Charinga and Lachlan Merinos, using AI for over 20 years, and ET in more recent years.

Flock average: 18.9-19.8 mic, 8.0-9.2 kg.

In July 2004, our merino lambs brought $128.00, 6 wks off shears, making a new Midstate Saleyards record.

In 2006, we gained 1st and 2nd in the National Merino Wether Challenge, beating 36 teams from 3 states including studs & commercial growers.
 

Dubbo National Sheep Show 2006 Results

Lachlan Merinos group of 3 lambs received 1st & 2nd, defeating  36 teams from studs & commercial breeders from 3 states at the Dubbo National Sheep Show, August 2006.

1st champion pen of 3 lambs averaged 42.26 kg a head dressed ($153.54 a head) @ $2.70/kg.

2nd   reserve pen of 3 lambs averaged 40.26 kg a head dressed ($150.05 a head) @ $2.70/kg.

Highest fleece value & heaviest wool cut: 6.5 kg.

Best carcass value: 43.6kg dressed, 50.7% yield.
Lachlan Merinos lambs were 20% heavier than the next closest competitor.

6 lambs averaged 41.3 kg a head dressed; 49.9 % yield.

* The above results demonstrate you can successfully combine excellent wool cut and carcass.

Lachlan Merinos Wool Achievements

2003 Australian National Sheep Show, Dubbo;
    1st med wool (9.1kg @18.3mic), 3rd med wool   
    10.5kg @ 18.9 mic), 1st strong wool (9.4kg @ 19.1  
     mic); all skirted ewes fleeces.

2004 Bendigo Sheep Show: Three 3rds; medium wools testing 17.3 to 20.3 micron; 4th highest clean fleece weight of the show (Lachlan Merinos fleeces were paddock run, competing against shedded and coated fleeces).

2005 Australian National Sheep Show, Dubbo: 1st and 2nd in the medium and 1st and 2nd in the strong sections

5 year adult flock average: 19.3 micron

MUELSE FREE 2010 FAMILY

At Lachlan Merinos, we have developed a completely separate family for muelse free 2010. Adding to     our new family and demonstrating our commitment to this issue, Lachlan Merinos purchased the     number “one” ranked ewe at the Severn Park Merino Stud dispersal sale for P.W.W.T (post weaning     weight). This ewe (“Big Mama”) was a standout for physical size and early growth characteristics. (She     is a full E.T sister to the sire     “Thomas More”, a top ten national ASBVs for growth and muscle). Big  Mama also has outstanding     fertility (being paddock joined and had 4 big, live lambs), and an     amazing temperament. Her wool is rich, long and soft.

Lachlan Merinos will use Big Mama and others in our Embryo Transfer program we have selected for the 2010 family. The first of the progeny of Big Mama, LM 08.30 (“OX”) is an exciting sire for the ongoing development of this new family. OX is a gentle giant, and naturally born quad, who is one of a kind, displaying extreme virtues including; early maturity, size, brilliant temperament, balance, bone, fertility; with white, free growing wool, and bare breech score 2