More market choices with Border Leicesters

The Wilson family has used Border Leicesters in the production for many decades, with Noel's father and uncle using them over Merino ewes when they first settled in the area in the 1920s.

Rams from Cadell Border Leicester stud, Ariah Park, have been used for about 40 years.

“Their rams are brucellosis accredited free, and we source rams on the finer side for wool,” Noel said.

“They're well-grown, with a large frame and long back legs.”

A range of market opportunities has kept the family breeding Border Leicesters over the years.

“We have two chances at meeting the market,” Mr Wilson said.

“We concentrate on the wethers first, and we’re aiming to get them to export weights of 68 kilograms to 70kg or more.

“Then if the season is right the ewe portion is sold any time from April to September, depending on the interest from clients and what suits their joining program.”

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The first-cross ewes are usually sold on property to regular buyers.

“If the season is unkind, and there is no call for all of the ewe lambs that we produce, we also sell them in the fat market, before they reach two-teeth. Some clients have been buying our ewes for many years, so they must be happy with the lambs the Cadell rams are producing.”

The older ewes are joined for three months, beginning on January 1, with the maiden ewes joined in mid-December for the past few years.

While lambing percentages have dropped in the past year – down from 132 per cent on Peter's property in 2017 – they're still good considering the season. The ewes managed just under 100pc at Peter's place, and just over 100pc on the home block.

Lambs are weaned and shorn in October – and again in March – and they’re put on self-feeders and oats or lucerne crops, or stubble, depending on what feed is available.

The wethers are sorted into mobs depending on size as part of their preparation for the feedlot, and after drenching and vaccinating –  6-in-1, scabby mouth, A, D and E vitamins and B12 – they're introduced to the ration they'll be on at the feedlot once they've reached 40kg.

"The ewe lambs are drenched and given 6-in-1 at weaning, and we let them grow out on feeders and pasture. The ration contains barley, oats, a lamb supplement, salt, lime and canola or sunflower meal. They also have good access to water and hay."