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On their 4350-hectare property, “Weeroona”, Narrandera, the Durnan family have been breeding quality first-cross ewes for three generations, with the fourth generation on hand to see the 2015 drop sold at the summer sale in Narrandera.
The Durnan family have been on the land north of Narrandera for over 100 years, and the aggregation operated by Colin, Sue, Tim and Heather Durnan and Colin’s mother Joan includes the original block purchased by Colin’s father in the 1940’s.
They annually join 3200 Merino ewes, with 90 percent going to Border Leicester rams purchased from Barry Harper, Cadell stud, Ariah Park, and the balance joined to White Suffolks.
The sheep operation compliments the winter cropping program which could encompass anything up to 50 percent of the available area.
“Mr grandfather started breeding first cross ewes, when he bought the place,” Tim Durnan said.
“We have stayed with them because we believe the first-cross ewes have always been and will continue to be the best mothers in a prime lamb enterprise when joined to terminal sires.”
Mr Durnan said the returns from the sale of top quality first cross ewes is bolstered by the wool return from the Merino ewes, and the sale of the wether portion.
From 500 to 600 replacement Merino ewes are purchased each year, and Tim Durnan said they have been getting station-bred ewes through the Hay sale yards for the past ten years.
“We select the young ewes that are surplus to station requirements,” Tim Durnan said.
“They are big, healthy ewes with excellent frames.”
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Mr Durnan emphasized they do not like sheep that are too plain preferring a ‘bit of skin’ to maintain wool cut.
Replacement rams have been purchased from Barry Harper, Cadell stud, Ariah Park for the past 17 years.
“We just like them,” Tim Durnan said.
“We don’t go there because they are sheep that are dear, but because they are very good sheep.
“Their wool is not too strong, and they give us really good lambs.”
