AN
ODE
TO
THE
MAY &
IT
THE
TO
THE
PAST
CONTINUE TOWN
PEOPLE
THAT
TO
&
THE
INSPIRE.
RAISED
APART
KEEPERS
OF
ME-
ITS
THE
STORY.
OF
TRADITION,
HEART
OF
NSW,
,
WEARING “ENTO” BY BRIDGETTE PIZZATA
A SHEARER
’S SMOKO
SWEET
OVERLAND MERINO SHEEP
WEARING “ENTO” BY BRIDGETTE PIZZATA
OVERLAND MERINO SHEEP
LOCKERBIE MERINO SHEEP
FROM FIELD TO FEET
OVERLAND MERINO SHEEP
In the heart of NSW, located 15kms West of Bogan Gate, Tony Magills families legacy is woven into the fibre of Merino sheep breeding. I sat down with Tony to delve into the heritage behind Overland Merino and his passion and dedication that has help shaped a wool farming journey dating back to the 1800’s. “We’ve been here a little while...and we’ve all been Merino breeders from the start. It’s been an industry we love, and it’s something that has been through 3 generations.” Describing cherished moments with his grandfather, Tony fondly recalled, “I was probably 10 driving around looking at sheep with my Grandfather in an old Ford Courier Ute... just wandering around listening and talking to him and sitting alongside the race, just looking at sheep.” Regarding the changes in the wool industry, Tony noted, “Sheep have gotten a lot bigger, but they have also freed up less skin, with longer staples and whiter wool - quality became the rule.”
This has all happened in the 1900’s, and it’s going to keep happening.” The unpredictability of weather patterns, from last year’s unexpected floods to the current talk of impending droughts, serves as a constant reminder of nature’s capriciousness. Yet, Tony maintains a resilient spirit. “I mean, you never get it right you just continually try and improve for the next one. That’s all you can do, because you really cant predict the weather.” Tony expressed the deep roots of wool farming in his family history.
“I WAS PROBABLY 10 DRIVING AROUND LOOKING AT SHEEP WITH MY GRANDFATHER IN AN OLD FORD COURIER UTE...”
He highlighted the joy of breeding, stating, “Just the reward of watching that animal grow and be productive, seeing improvements and being part of them.” Despite reaping the joys of merino breeding the market continues to throw challenges his way, Tony remarked, “Even recently, it’s the labor market with a shortage of shearers and things like that.” A sense of accomplishment that transcends any industry. However, this pursuit is not without its challenges. The most common challenge, Tony reveals, has always been the weather. “I mean my Grandad talks about the same things that are happening now. Massive droughts, local dams drying up.
“It’s in the blood, I suppose.... My Great Grandfather, my Grandfather, and my Dad are passionate wool growers as well.”
While traditions continue, each generation adds its unique touch. As Tony reflect on his own family, he acknowledges the distinct interests and pursuits of his young one. “My young bloke he’s had that sporting side, so he’s still following that at the minute and finishing uni.” “... he enjoys coming out to our display days and helping me alongside the race and it does look very similar.” The community that surrounds Tony from his small town plays an integral role in his journey as a farmer. Tony recounts the recent floods, illustrating how “communities, especially small ones, seem to just come together.” Communities, especially in rural areas, have an innate resilience, coming together during tough times.
LOCKERBIE MERINO SHEEP
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SPECIAL
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ELLA
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LOCKERBIE
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PERRY
MODEL
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KIARA
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OVERLAND
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