Genetics that work

The Yanko Merino and Poll Merino Stud is excited to share a sneak peek of what’s to come in 2020.

At The Yanko we understand that this year we are facing constant changes with event restrictions and border closures. We are putting new measures in place to ensure our client needs are met and we can offer the best service. This year we will be providing virtual and private inspections during the lead up to our Merino and Poll Merino Ram Sale and the September Ram Sale will be delivered On-Property and online with AuctionsPlus.

Over August and September we will be sharing detailed information on the 2020 Merino and Poll Merino Sale Rams. For all raw and MerinoSelect analysis data or to organise a virtual inspection please contact Hugh or Ian Cameron.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the lasted news and updates.

Key dates to add to the calendar: On-Property Open Day – Wednesday, 2 September 2020 On-Property Ram Sale – Thursday, 24 September 2020 The 2020 Ram Sale will be hosted On-Property and virtually with AuctionsPlus.

Contact us: Hugh Cameron – 0427 561 142Ian Cameron – 0427 561 140

AWI Young Merino Breeders Workshop

Stuart Hodgson and Wendy Ridgley from AWI conducted a Young Merino Breeders Workshop at The Yanko on Tuesday, 7 July. An enthusiastic group of 18 sheep breeders from the Jerilderie district who are now back on family farms or working on Stud/sheep breeding enterprises attended.

Stuart ran through the history of the Merino and the breeds and traits that we see in the Merino today in Australia. Various tools of classing were covered leading into visual selection and the group then split into teams to class some of The Yanko 2019 drop ewes for a commercial operation.

The Yanko Merino – Genetics that work

Genetic trends – Merino select

Our involvement in the MerinoLink DNA Stimulation Project is ongoing and with this Pedigree and Genomic information, we are able to benchmark The Yanko’s performance against the national Merino Flock.

Looking at the MP+ index which best suits our breeding objectives, the graph below shows The Yanko 22.7 points ahead of the National Merino Average. With Michael Elmes’ assistance in selecting productive, well balanced sheep and introducing high performing external sires we are confident we will continue to see high genetic gains.

Sheep Genetics. MP+ Index averages by year. Analysis dated: 21-Jul-20. * Blue represents The Yanko

Sheep Genetics. MP+ Index averages by year.Analysis dated: 7-Jul-20. * Yellow line represents The Yanko

The year so far

The first half of 2020 has brought consistent rainfall, a welcome relief from the big dry of 2019. We received a perfect Autumn break of regular rain through late March and April and by May we were surrounded by paddocks of fresh green growth. Pastures responded quickly given our lower stocking rates.

Summer grasses along with native clover have provided a high quality feed source for the merino ewes in late stage pregnancy and shelter for young lambs. In February, with the prospect of another dry start, all ewes were pregnancy scanned and the result was an average 92.5% pregnant to ewes joined. This led to great lambing results of 126.1% to ewes SIL and 113% to ewes joined. These are some of our best results achieved to date!

Dry ewes were carried through until early July and sold on AuctionsPlus in two lots, 2-3 y/o selling for $262 and 4-5 y/o making $221. While Covid-19 is having an affect on markets, restockers are providing a floor for quality product.

Our goal to breed a balanced merino of fibre, frame and fertility has again provided multiple avenues for income in a fluid market.

2020 Merino and Poll Merino Open Day

PRE-SALE OPEN DAY – 2 September, 2020

The Yanko invites you to a private inspection of our 2020 Merino and Poll Merino sale rams. All Ram Sale lots will be penned with figures. View our ram auction line up and speak with our team.

When: Wednesday 2 September from 9am to 4pm. Where: Inspections will take place at The Yanko woolshed yards.

Follow us on Facebook and register your interest for the Open Day here: https://bit.ly/2XYlcv6

We will also be providing virtual inspections on request for those unable to attend. Contact Ian Cameron on 0427 561 140 to organise a time.

2020 Events

The Yanko Merino Stud will be displaying merino and poll merinos at the following events in 2020.

2 September – The Yanko On-Property Open Day All Ram Sale lots will be available for inspection from 10am at the Woolshed yards. Rams will be penned with their figures alongside pens of ewes. Click here for more information. 

24 September – The Yanko On-Property Ram Sale80 Horned and Poll RamsInspections from 10amSale commencing 12.30pm Due to Covid-19 restrictions and border closures the sale will also be live on AuctionsPlus. 

For pre-sale in person and virtual inspection enquiries or to receive a catalogue please contact:Hugh Cameron: 02 69561142 or 0427 561142Ian Cameron: 0427 561140Email: theyanko@bigpond.com