We live at Maroona , twenty four kilometres south of Ararat in the Western district. It’s a 23” rainfall  average and we run 2100 merino ewe self replacing flock, some of which are joined to Border Leicesters rams. Over the past four years our average micron has been between 18.9—20.0 micron and cuts per head have    averaged, Ewes 8.2 kg and Hoggets 10-11 months wool 5.8 kg. It is our pleasure to have been introduced to the Polkinghorne family of Charinga and Banavie some 10 years ago. In that period we have  benefited greatly from their knowledge of  breeding large framed sound correct structured sheep, with good constitution producing substantial amounts of soft handling, high yielding white crimpy fine to medium wools which are keenly sought after by the trade. Due to the crimpy stylish wool a bigger percentage ends up in the top lines. Because of Charinga and Banavie bloodlines we have the bonus of having boat wethers at 18 months of age, being able to breed 1st x ewes which are consistently in the top few pens at special store sales.

Selling joined CFA ewes back to the north and also fat lambs over the hooks at averages up to 28 kgs. As a result of all these benefits, these bloodlines have proven to be very profitable. The past 12 months have been a real test on the ability of wool to withstand wet conditions. We had 875 mm from August 1st 2010 to August 1st 2011. In fact the wettest and most humid weather that we have experienced and only having 80ks of fleece rot in our total clip with no dermatitis at all, is proof that Charinga and Banavie  bloodlines are very adaptable. In my opinion over the past twenty years Charinga has become a true parent stud producing a number of impact sires having a      massive influence on the merino industry. Show and ram sale success can very often be traced back to Charinga sires eg. East Mundulla by Big Tom, grand champion Bendigo Sheep Show  2011.