WELCOME
Our family extends heartfelt thanks to our clients for their unwavering support throughout the 2023 ram selling season. As we acknowledge five years since purchasing Kentish Downs Poll Dorset Stud, we are thrilled with the outstanding progress and growth that has been achieved Since taking ownership, the stud has expanded from a modest flock of 300 ewes to a remarkable 1,100 ewes lambing in 2024. This growth underscores our dedication to excellence and strategic approach to breeding
For the second consecutive year, Kentish Downs Poll Dorset Stud has been recognised by Sheep Genetics with a 5-star data quality score. This accolade reflects our commitment to upholding superior genetic standards and maintaining rigorous data integrity The stud has meticulously recorded DNA for the entire flock of 1,100 ewes, ensuring the pedigree of every lamb that is bred, is fully guaranteed. Each lamb is weighed at birth and genomics tested, particularly focusing on hard-to-measure traits such as eating quality
We continue to invest in integrating the latest technology and fully benchmarking all progeny. All rams offered at our sales are ranked among the highest-value indexing terminal sheep in Australia
We continue to be targeted in our breeding program and strive for excellence in the profitable and productive traits Some highlights inlcude;
Kentish Downs ranks 7 of the top 14 2023 drop rams rams for post weaning weight in the Sheep Genetics Terminal Database.
Kentish Downs ranks 4 of the top 14 2023 drop rams for post eye muscle depth in the Sheep Genetics Terminal Database
In the 2023-2024 season, Kentish Downs will sell more than 400 rams.
All prospective buyers are invited to our pre-sale ram inspection on Monday, September 16th, 10am to 3pm Each ram will be presented with their Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs), offering detailed insights into their genetic performance and suitability for various breeding programs
On Friday, 20th September, at 1 00pm we will be offering 55 high indexing 2023 Spring drop rams, via the AuctionsPlus platform
In additiona, a second ram sale will be held on Wednesday, 6th November at 1 00pm 'Yarragundry West', Wagga Wagga, where 150 high-indexing 2024 drop rams will be auctioned on-property with Nutrien Livestock Wagga Wagga and online with AuctionsPlus Inspections welcome from 10:00 AM
If you are visiting Henty Machinery Field Days, this year Be sure to visit us and check out our display of 2023 drop rams
2023 SALE RESULTS
Stud & Selected
2022 Drop Ram Sale
AuctionsPlus Only
Friday 22 Sept 2023@ 1 00pm
25 Lots Sold
Top Price: $5,000
Average Price: $1,856
Congratulations to David Galpin ‘Warrawindi’, South Australia on his purchases of Lot 8 and 14 at the top price of $5,000
2022 & 2023 Drop
Ram Sale
On-Property & AuctionsPlus
Wednesday 8 Nov 2023 @ 1.00pm
160 Lots Sold
Top Price: $4,800
Average Price: $1,950
Congratulations to Jack & Christie Glasson, ‘Jimenbuen’, Dalgety, New South Wales on their purchase of Lot 3 at the top price of $4,800
2024 SALE DATES
Stud & Selected
2023 Drop Ram Sale
AuctionsPlus Only
Friday 20 September 2024 @ 1 00pm
55 High-Indexing 2023 Drop Rams
Stud & Selected
2024 Drop Ram Sale
On-Property & AuctionsPlus
Wednesday 6 November @ 1.00pm
Pre-inspection from 10am
2096 Sturt Highway, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
150 High Indexing 2024 Drop Rams
2024 OPEN DAY
Monday 16 September 2024
2023 Drop Rams on Display
10am - 3pm
2096 Sturt Highway, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
HENTY MACHINERY FIELD
DAYS
17-19 September 2024
Rams on display.
Come and visit us, our display is opposite the Eastern Gate Entrance. BLOCK O SITE 673
Jaiden Burke 0407 666 768
Hannah Baker 0477 508 750
GENETIC TRENDS
KENTISH DOWNS NEXT LEVEL GENETICS
At Kentish Downs Poll Dorset Stud we believe genetics plays a significant role in productivity and profitability Research has shown many carcase traits are moderately to highly heritable and provide selective opportunities to improve breeding programs
Our goal is to increase the capacity of Kentish Downs Poll Dorsets to generate more profit for our clients. We are achieving this goal through targeted inclusions of stud sires and we have an extensive breeding and performance recording program, which combines a selection of the best quality sheep using both visual and Lambplan data to produce rams and ewes of the highest money making quality for our clients
ercentage $$ at yield (LMY) a higher lean meat ean meat yield is e Hot Standard and salvage fat is 2 4 will produce her than progeny
Kentish Downs on ield into a higher above the Breed Terminal Database. Yield $$
KENTISH DOWNS 2023 DROP SPRING RAM SALE CATALOGUE
AUCTIONSPLUS ONLINE SALE - FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER @ 1.00PM
SUPER SIRES - 2024 DROP SIRE LIST
Our mating program for 2024 drop lambs included 21 high indexing rams
The average TCP of the sire team sits in the Top 1% of the Industry for Terminal Carcase Production
EDUCATION: INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
BRED WELL FED WELL
Education is a cornerstone of success across all industries and facets of life, and farming is no exception Recognising the diverse skill set required to effectively manage a farm and run a successful business, Kentish Downs Poll Dorset Stud hosted a practical, oneday workshop titled "Bred Well Fed Well" in Collingullie, NSW, late last year
Led by Jim Meckiff from JM Livestock, the workshop focused on enhancing productivity and profitability through effective breeding and feeding practices throughout the livestock production cycle Emphasising key profit drivers, Mr Meckiff highlighted the importance of traits such as fertility and weaning rates in the breeding ewe flock, integrating these into overall breeding objectives.
Mr Meckiff noted that leveraging Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) is crucial for sheep producers aiming to boost productivity By breeding sheep that are "fit for purpose, " producers can achieve more efficient and profitable outcomes.
Participants had the opportunity to interact directly with rams on display, discussing both their visual traits and ASBV data This hands-on experience allowed attendees to critically evaluate the breeding values and gain a deeper understanding of each ram ' s genetic merit The workshop provided valuable insights into optimising breeding strategies and enhancing farm productivity
"We should also be aware that the selection of rams is very important as they can have a big impact on the performance of the flock."
Jim Meckiff, JM Livestock
OUR LATEST NEWS
OPERATIONS MANAGER
This year we were very pleased to welcome Joe Walden to our team at Kentish Downs and Redgum River Pastoral Co as Operations Manager.
Joe grew up on a sheep and cattle property in Braidwood, NSW, managed by his father After completing his high schooling and a vocational traineeship in Agriculture at Braidwood Central School, Joe furthered his education at Tocal Agricultural College There, he earned a Certificate IV in Agriculture and a Certificate III in Wool Handling and Harvesting. His hard work and dedication earned him a scholarship to work in Alberta, Canada, for six months
Returning to Australia in 2016, Joe began working at Bogo Merino Stud on Cavan Station, Yass, NSW His efforts were pivotal in the stud’s relocation to Cootamundra, NSW, in 2021 Over his eight years at Bogo Merino Stud, Joe gained respect as a dedicated stud overseer and was honored with the Peter Westblade Scholarship in 2018 He also joined the committee and was later appointed as the chair of the Peter Westblade Scholarship in 2023
Joe is enthusiastic about beginning this new chapter in his career within the terminal industry, an area new to him He is eager to immerse himself in the Kentish Downs team and accelerate his learning while living on the Glenburn farm.
Starting out in agriculture can be challenging without a solid network or mentors. Joe first met Craig Wilson during his time at Bogo Merinos. The connection deepened when Joe received the Peter Westblade Scholarship while Craig was Chairman Joe had the opportunity to accompany Craig on his annual classing trip to WA and work on wool quality traits at the Temora MLP site
OUR LATEST NEWS
FROM THE FARM
What a thrilling year it's been for us! Like any family or business, we've faced our share of changes and challenges Last December, we said goodbye to our beloved home in Wagga Wagga, a place where we made countless precious memories with Holly and Tom
In 2023, we embarked on a renovation project for the farmhouse and completed our move to the farm by December This gave us the chance to celebrate our first Christmas there, ushering in a new chapter in our lives filled with joy and excitement
Holly has changed focus in her studies from Law at Melbourne University to an online double degree in Agriculture and Business through the University of New England We are very much looking forward to having Holly work with us in the business and contribute where she can
Late last year, we were thrilled when Holly was featured in Graziher, a magazine dedicated to highlighting women in agriculture Writer and photographer Alexandra MacAlpine first met Holly at our Ram Sale in November and was inspired by her commitment to pursuing a career in agriculture and her dedication to advancing the industry Holly’s story featured in the February/March edition of the magazine.
Photo: Alexandra MacAlpine
