Cadell Border Leicester sheep stud marks 75 years

Cadell Border Leicester stud was founded by the late Ray Harper in 1946 on bloodlines from Kelso and Yarra, with rams purchased from Squire and Freebairns Bumbaldry Stud.

The foundation rams, joined to the family's small 20-ewe flock, marked the start of one of the breed's most well-regarded studs, which grew to more than 1100 ewes in the 1980s.

"Dad thought there would be a growing need for Border Leicester rams in the Ariah Park district because it suited the mixed farming operations and the fact that a good supply of quality Merino ewes was available," stud principal Barry Harper said.

"He also thought breeding first-cross sheep would give the farmers three avenues of income - Merino wool, prime lambs and the first-cross ewe."

The original genetics came from three main sources, and many of those bloodlines - some introduced more than seven decades ago - are still making an impact in the stud flock, including Kelso, The Oaks, and Crymelon.

Progeny by rams sourced from Kelso stud, owned by the Starritt family of Tatura, Victoria are still being used, with the Bonn bloodline particularly successful, and from the Oaks stud, owned by the Hosking family at Kerang, Vic, the Pride and John genetics are still prominent, with several lots available in this year's sale. But the most influential bloodline in the Cadell flock came from John King's Crymelon stud at Warracknabeal, Vic.

"From this stud came the Romeo bloodline," Mr Harper said.

"Many of the Romeo family have been Sydney Show champions, and Romeo was the forerunner of the very successful Supreme and Superior lines. Two other bloodlines used in the stud are Showman and Top and they also came from the Crymelon Stud."

Emphasis on strong family lines has paid off for Cadell and their stud and commercial clients, with more predictable and consistent progeny. More recently, new genetics have been introduced from Raywil stud at Swan Hill, Vic and in 2011, Cadell purchased the champion ram at the annual Horsham Border Leicester Show and Sale, which was bred by Trevor James, Coolawang stud, South Australia.

"This purchase commenced the Jesse line which has proven very valuable," Mr Harper said.

The Cadell stud now runs between 850 and 1100 ewes, selling 450 to 500 rams each year, to clients from the Central West of NSW to southern Queensland.

"We've sold rams to every mainland state in Australia, and New Zealand, and many of our clients have supported the Cadell stud for 50 years or more," Mr Harper said.

"Some of the highlights over the years have been the sale of 175 flock rams to one buyer in one purchase in the 1990s, and we also exported ewes to Saudi Arabia in 2015."

The stud is now run by Barry and Helen Harper and their son Rob, with help from the fourth generation - Rob's 21-year-old son Blake.

The Cadell operation is a true family collaboration, with Rob being involved from a young age and taking more responsibility over the years, especially with the introduction of new technology.

There have been big changes over the years, for the stud and the industry, with the Lambplan program resulting in changes in the stud's management.

"Earlier records were kept on individual cards and then progression was made to computer programs," Mr Harper said.

"Now we have electronic ear tags and a laptop at the sheep yards that are helping to ease the burden of recording and bookkeeping."

The Harper family has also taken the opportunity to represent and promote the breed in the industry, with Ray serving as president of the NSW Border Leicester Association in the 1980s.

He was also a foundation member of the Australian Border Leicester Association.

Barry has also led both associations. He was president of the NSW association from 2007 to 2012, president of the Australian association from 2013 to 2017, and in 2018 he took on the state role again.

Cadell has also featured heavily in the show ring, with multiple generations exhibiting and judging at prestigious events, including international shows.

The stud experienced many successful years of showing at both Sydney and Albury between the years of 1955 and 1995, with many champion rams and most successful exhibitor awards.

"Showing was a way of showcasing the stud and helping build its status," Mr Harper said.

"It was dad's passion to show his sheep and he took immense pride in presenting the best animals Cadell could offer."

The Harper family would like to thank the clients who have supported Cadell in the past 75 years.

"During that time many lasting friendships have been formed," Mr Harper said.

EXCEPTIONAL rams and an impressive line of stud ewes will be available at this year's Cadell Border Leicester sale on October 1.

The 46th annual sale features 220 rams and 80 ewes, which offers current and new Border Leicester breeders a rare opportunity to purchase highly-sought after genetics.

Cadell stud principal Barry Harper is expecting strong interest, particularly in the ewes, as they're not usually available.

The stud's catalogue of 20 stud rams and 200 flock rams is also the largest offering in its history.

The Cadell Border Leicester sale is on Friday, October 1, beginning at 1pm, with bidding in person.

As in previous years, deferred payment until June 2022 will be available for flock rams.

This offer was started 73 years ago by the late Ray Harper, who established the Ariah Park stud in 1946.

For more information, including the sale catalogue, visit www.cadellstud.com.au closer to the sale date.