*Open Day 16th September 2011 - Google Map – Pastora Location
Overview
Pastora Poll Merino Stud was founded by Peter Westblade in 1986.
Our vision is to breed uncomplicated, fertile and highly profitable merinos.
Independent trials show Pastora blood sheep combine high growth rates with excellent fleece values.
Pastora is managed as a commercial entity, thus keeping conditions the same to those encountered by our clients. This strategy is to simulate the nutritional conditions the sheep are most likely to face on our clients farms.
Currently Pastora consists of:
- 3,500 stud ewes are joined annually
- 750 rams available for sale annually from September
- 140 commercial and stud clients
Type
- Large frames uncomplicated plain bodies.
- Highly fertile – clients reporting lamb percentages ranging from 90 to 130%.
- Fine Wool – hoggets 15.5 to 17 micron. Adult sheep – 16.5 to 18.5 micron.
- Fleece weights on adult sheep range from 6.5 to 9.0 kilos.
Ram Selection
All rams are measured for fleece weight, fibre diameter and bodyweight at 12 months of age. Rams are then visually classed using the objective measurement as a guide. Less than 1% is retained for use in the stud. 40% are available for private sale
Ewe Selection
Ewe hoggets are classed using the same criteria as the rams. The outstanding fertility of the flock allows a culling rate of 50%. Each ewe is classed annually for her breeding life and must rear one lamb annually to remain viable.
Objectives
We believe for the future prosperity of Pastora clients depends upon the continual improvement of the wool quality to meet and exceed processors expectations. This will allow Pastora wool to satisfy the top-end high quality garment market. Therefore, micron reduction and wool quality are of paramount importance. It is also important that fleece weights and body weights continue to increase to maximise returns for our clients. This is supported by independent wether trial data which demonstrates that our sheep are already amongst the most profitable animals in the country.
We are extremely proud of the dynamic performance of Pastora merinos’. These attributes are thoroughly measured, analysed and proven with independent data.
This year we will display our AI ewes for the first time, along with their progeny. Stud rams will also be penned as well as a random selection of both of our commercial grades. The commercial rams will be for sale on the day to any prospective new clients.
Contact Tim Westblade
Stud Principal
P:(02) 6920-5423, M: 0429 205423, F:(02) 6920-4047
Email: trwesty@bigpond.com
Address: “Brookong”, Lockhart NSW 2656
Other Contacts
Craig Wilson – Stud Classer & Consultant
M: 0428 250 982
John Driscoll – After sales service & client assistance
M: 0427 756 224
Pat Drew – After sales service & client assistance
M: 0429 434 204
