The Elders
Victorian Merino Sire Evaluation Trials
Host property Kerrsville (2000, 2001)
Progeny Location:
The Kerrsville property is run by Robert, Judi and Sam Plush as is
located approximately 20kms south of Balmoral, in the Western District
of Victoria. Average annual rainfall of 720mm on a predominantly clay
loam soil type.
Ewe Base:
Ewes for the 2001 trial were selected from “Kerrsville”
mixed aged commercial, fine wool Merino breeding ewes. The average adult
flock micron at “Kerrsville” in 2001 was 18.5 micron.
2000 seasonal conditions coming……..
Conditions in early 2000 were marked with severe water supply, although
feed was average for this period. By early spring feed conditions were
once again in good supply. The lack of good runoff water in the spring
of 2000 meant that again during the summer and autumn of 2000/2001 good
quality water supply affected young stock dramatically. The 2001 year
provided a kinder year with good water runoff for the first time in
more than 3 years and plentiful feed. Late rains for the season in November
and December 2001 have seen green feed right through to the end of the
year.
The Evaluation & Management Program 2000 drop progeny:
Date
Activity
28 March 2000
Commence A.I. Program - Ewes sponged and Teasers injected
5 April 2000
1st injection for Teasers
10-11 April 2000
Pull sponges and inject ewes with PMGS
12/13 April 2000
Laparoscopic insemination of 720 ewes, conducted by Brecon Breeders
13 June 2000
Ultrasound/scan ewes by Mark Jenkinson
6 September 2000
Ewes drafted into 24 groups identifying singles and twins for lambing
8 September 2000
Ewes commence lambing
16 September 2000
Lambing complete
23 September 2000
Lamb tagging, scoring and weighing
Lambs and ewes returned to full mob
20 October 2000
Mark and mules lambs, vaccinated 6 in 1, selenium
20 December 2000
Wean lambs, drenched, selenium pellets and jetted
April 2001
Progeny on display at Open Day
26 July 2001
1st Visual classing of progeny at 11 months
13 August 2001
1st Shearing and body weighing 11 months wool
2001 Seasonal Conditions:
The 2001/02 year provided a kinder year with good water runoff for
the first time in more than 3 years and plentiful feed. Late rains for
the season in November and December 2001 provided green feed right through
to the end of the year. The autumn of 2002 caused major management problems
with severe rye grass staggers in all sheep but with young weaners being
particularly affected. 2002 season has been a mixed year with long dry
spells followed by late spring rains with the season finishing in a
flourish but with a lack of solid base of feed for the autumn. Stock
water quality will continue to be an issue with very little run-off
water during the year.
2002/03 Was an average autumn for feed quality but during the winter
months there was a distinct lack of feed. The sheep had a struggle until
spring which resulted in lighter body weights.
The Evaluation & Management Program 2001 drop progeny:
Date
Activity
28 March 2001
Commence A.I. Program - Ewes sponged and Teasers injected
5 April 2001
1st injection for Teasers
10-11 April 2001
Pull sponges and inject ewes with PMGS
12/13 April 2001
Laparoscopic insemination of 720 ewes, conducted by Brecon Breeders
13 June 2001
Ultrasound/scan ewes by Mark Jenkinson
6 September 2001
Ewes drafted into 24 groups identifying singles and twins for lambing
8 September 2001
Ewes commence lambing
16 September 2001
Lambing complete
23 September 2001
Lamb tagging, scoring and weighing
Lambs and ewes returned to full mob
20 October 2001
Mark and mules lambs, vaccinated 6 in 1, selenium
20 December 2001
Wean lambs, drenched, selenium pellets and jetted
April 2002
Progeny on display at Open Day
30 July 2002
1st Visual classing of progeny at 11 months
13 August 2002
1st Shearing and body weighing 11 months wool
27 July 2003
2nd Visual classing of projeny at 22 months
8 August 2003
2nd Shearing and bodyweighing 12 months wool
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