TOP SIRE 2025–2026 MERINOS ON FARM A MOVE TO ALL MERINOS SIMPLIFIES OPERATIONS The McLennan’s have been farming at “Connen Hill” for 50 years, running a mixed farm focusing on livestock, cropping and hay making. Austin McLennan, who runs “Connen Hill” with his parents Ian and Pamela, said they have made the move to increase their numbers of Merino ewes and transition out of crossbreds in the past few years to simplify the operation, which spans 5000 acres in the Lake Bathurst district. Previously, they ran 3000 Merinos and 2000 crossbred ewes, but have now increased the Merino flock to 4000 ewes with half joined to Merinos and half to Charollais sires. “We wanted to simplify the operation, so we transitioned out of crossbreds and increased our Merino ewe and cattle numbers,” Austin said. Austin said the change was made based on management needs and noted challenges with the timing of their hay making and sucker lamb programs as a deciding factor. “When selling sucker lambs, you need to have all your timings right. We were able to sell good quality sucker lambs, but one of the biggest issues we faced was the management of the single bearing ewes.” The McLennan’s have now shifted their primary focus for the “Connen Hill” flock to breeding a dual-purpose Merino with nice, soft fine wool and a moderate frame, while also producing an early-maturing lamb. One of the key elements in producing top wether lambs at “Connen Hill” is early-sown grazing canola. Austin said they sow in the last week of January to the first week of February, which means it is ready to graze after shearing in late March, allowing the weaned wether lambs to be moved off lucerne and straight onto the canola. “This gives us the best chance to put as much weight on as we can in that time,” Austin said. “They have usually got some good staple length on them by shearing time and tend to jump away after that, heading into the winter months.” 1– – 38 –
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