Started out the morning by visiting Trigger Vale Sheep Stud farm. They raise Polled Merinos and White Suffolks. Andy Bouffler, owner of the farm, was very passionate about genetics, measuring traits, and making improvements for the breed. He was very knowledgeable and talked about the correlation between fat and muscle of ewes and reproduction percentage. Many traditional Merino breeders care solely about wool and consequently give up reproductive rate. Since growing wool and raising a lamb is nutritionally stressful on the ewe, she may give up the lamb to meet her own requirements.
The afternoon was super interesting with a visit to an emu farm! They were some pretty interesting little critters. Haha it is mating season for the emus so they were being very aggressive toward one another trying to hold their territory. When they fight, they jump and use their legs to beat up the other birds. When a bird is harvested ten kilos of emu oil can be gathered. A kilo of emu oil is worth $A 50, making each bird worth $A500.
We enjoyed a Barbie ( BBQ ) on the emu farm for lunch and took in the amazing view from the hillside.
The evening was enjoyed at Sprys Shorthorns. We were able to see some of their superior stud bulls, I really like the roan calves :) We enjoyed our 3rd steak meal in two days for dinner. The hospitality here is superior.
Photos
1. Sprys Shorthorns
2. EMUs!!
3. Sprys Shorthorns
4. Having fun :)
5. Trigger Vale sheep
Until tomorrow mates!!
No comments:
Post a Comment