ONE of the country’s noted Border Leicester studs has been sold in its entirety.
In a unique private purchase the whole breeding flock and prefix of Nundoone stud, Narromine, was recently sold by Ian and Kerry Cameron and family to Rowena Sweeney, Merrygoen, and announced during the recent NSW State Sheep Show at Dubbo.
The sale to Ms Sweeney includes 97 ewes, 51 maiden ewes and three stud sires which are now settled at “Pinehurst”, Merrygoen, the property of Ms Sweeney’s parents, Reg and Robyn Sweeney, on which they operate the Bindaree stud.
Ms Sweeney said she purchase of Nundoone stud in its entirety was a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.
“The stud is based on some of the oldest original parent bloodlines, so I fully appreciate the depth of breeding that has gone into this flock,” Ms Sweeney said.
“Nundoone sheep have a distinct type.
“They are eye catching with showy Border Leicester heads, structurally correct and grow very even and dense fleeces of true-to-type Border Leicester wool.”
Nundoone stud flock number 4563 was established in 1994 on Brigendoone bloodlines Ian Cameron’s father, Frank, established in 1939 and registered in 1940 as flock number 1140.
Mr Cameron said it was exciting to know the buyer of the flock was someone he and Kerry knew who would keep the stud intact and through the prefix would continue the breeding line so long ago established.
“I believe the reputation we’ve built up will help Rowena and we will pass on all our contacts so she can keep in touch with all clients,” he said.
While the sale enables the Camerons to look towards a more quieter life of retirement from stud sheep breeding. Mr Cameron has agreed to assist with some advice on selection and classing so the stud continues to keep the same type that has been running in past generations.
Ms Sweeney said she wished to thank the Cameron family for the opportunity.
What is assured through the sale is the continuation of the combined Nundoone and Bindaree “Top of the Drop” ram sale each September where this year the Camerons will sell their last drop of rams.