TESTIMONIALS
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.
DENIS BYRNE - MAROONA, VIC - PH 0427 547 525
My association with with Banavie goes back to goes back to when the late Neil McLennan owed Banavie in the mid 1990s and when the Polkinghorne family took it over we continued using both Charinga and Banavie studs. We have purchased and used semen from their top sires. The use of their genetics has influenced our wool quality and quantity. Both Roger and Tim are free and honest to give feedback on what your aims are.
PAUL HENDY - BELBOURIE MERINO & POLL MERINO STUD, MARNOO VIC - PH 0429 948 765
“I have purchased Banavie and Charinga rams on behalf of my clients for a period of 14 years, these sheep have gone into a variety of climatic and pastoral conditions.
I had been attracted to the bloodline for it’s ability to not only cut optimum wool weights of highly crimped stylish wools that process so well, but also give a desirable body shape, these two important genetic body traits are of paramount importance to the future of our merino industry and coupled together they provide an animal of dual purpose suitability.
I have been impressed with the genetic improvement the sires have delivered and feel they are an important building block in the direction our industry must take.”
STUART W HODGSON OAM - MERINO SPECIALIST LANDMARK AUSTRALIA PH 0427 908 831
Charinga and Banavie bloodlines are used extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand. I can only comment on the clients around Ararat, Stawell, St.Arnaud and Woodside (South Gippsland) who use these rams with outstanding results. Large framed sheep with long staples of deep crimping, white, lustrous wool. My theme is quantity with quality to give maximum return. There are no better sheep for this purpose than the Charinga/Banavie bloodlines. It is wonderful that at last the patient merino breeder is being rewarded with higher wool prices
DAVID MORGAN - SHEEP & WOOL CONSULTANT - PH 0408 178 498