The dominant traits associated with the Border Leicester breed have led a Spicers Creek operation to believe the rams are one of the best maternal sires on offer.
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Fourth generation producer, Joe Mason, “Spicers Run”, Spicers Creek, near Wellington, has operated the sheep enterprise of a mixed farming family operation since 2002.
On 3700 hectares, Mr Mason runs 9000 cast-for-age Merino ewes, which are joined to Border Leicester rams.
Producing first-cross lambs, the ultimate aim at “Spicers Run” is to produce the highest quality first-cross ewe possible.
Border Leicester rams are sourced from Ian Gilmore, Baringa Border Leicester stud, Oberon, because of their consistency and performance.
“We want to produce first-cross ewes with fast maturing traits, good frame size, fertility and relatively good wool,” Mr Mason said.
“Wool production is still something we aim to produce even though a lot of first-cross lamb producers do not focus on it,” he said.
“We are trying to appeal to the buyers needs and not give a reason to not like the quality of our lambs.”
Sourcing cast-for-age ewes from a number of commercial producers in the Central West and North Western NSW region, the decision to use an older ewe was backed by results found in the final product and productivity.
Mr Mason said cast-for-age ewes are brought at about four-and-a-half to five-and-a-half years old.
“They are producers’ classed ewes who have already had several lambs – we then take them on and get at least two lambs and two clips of wool, then they are sold as mutton,” he said.
“You are getting the top-genetics from a producers’ flock this way.”
Incorporating two joinings, one in late October for a March lambing and late February for a July to August lambing, Border Leicester rams are joined to ewes for six weeks at a two percent joining ratio.
Weaned at 8-12 weeks-of –age onto improved pastures, lambs are split into weight brackets to get market ready.
The wether portion are grown out to 6-10 months-of-age, at a target weight of 55-60kgs and generally go over the hook, with ewes reaching a target weight of 60kgs and marketed at Narromine breeder sales and to on-farm buyers.
With the Border Leicester genetics matching the breeding aims at “Spicers Run”, Mr Mason said he is confident in the breed.
“I believe Border Leicester rams are probably the best maternal sire you can use over your ewes,” he said.
“They assist in producing high fertility in female offspring, who are also very protective of their lambs,” he said.
