Laurie and Pam Beer, near Deni, Woodbury, have been using White Suffolk genetics for the past seven years, joining their older and second class ewes to terminal sires.
The Beers run their self-replacing flock of Poll Merinos at Woodbury, near Deniliquin, along with the first-cross operation on another farm and a small cropping program.
They have approximately 1100 ewes, with about 500 to 600 joined to White Suffolk rams, all sourced from Paul Routley's Urana-based stud Almondvale.
"We look for a reasonably long body, not too bulky in the shoulders, and we don't focus on figures as much with the White Suffolks," Mr Beer said.
"Going to Almondvale, the rams are all very consistent anyway. Paul and Peter very passionate about their breeding program and their sheep so you know they're going to do their absolute best."
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While dry conditions have affected lambing percentages over the past year, they've improved since making the switch to White Suffolks.
"I was having a far bit of trouble with lambing difficulties and thought the White Suffolk might be a bit easier on the ewes and that's worked to a degree," Mr Beer said.
If we get some suckers that are good enough, early enough, I'll try the saleyards, and later in the season I tend to go over the hooks, because I like to know what I'm getting before they leave the property.
- Laurie Beer
"We still have a few issues, but they're better. I feel I've had less newborn lambs lost from dystocia."
Lambs are generally sold over the hook, but from of the first suckers may go through the saleyards if there's good demand and the market is high.
"If we get some suckers that are good enough, early enough, I'll try the saleyards, and later in the season I tend to go over the hooks, because I like to know what I'm getting before they leave the property," Mr Beer said.
Lambs need to reach 23 to 24 kilograms carcase weight, and are usually finished on crop.
They're looking good so far this year, but Mr Beer did have to feed ewes through last summer, and finished last year's lambs on pellets.
"We have no issues getting to those weights, as long as we keep the feed up to them," he said.
"This year has been a reasonable winter, but we badly need rain now.
"We usually have winter wheat or vetch sown for the lambs, and pasture paddocks as well, and when irrigation water is affordable I use it to start the pasture off, but that's been difficult the past year or two."
