Ross focused on introducing new genetics through several new sires, which were later elevated to high profile status. The first notable sire was “Wonga Tom”, which produced progeny known for high fleece weights. The ram that had the biggest impact, however, was a young Pooginook sire, purchased for $19,500 and sold in pen 31, the same number worn by AFL legend Ron Barassi. This connection led to the ram becoming widely known as “Barassi”. A very modern sire, “Barassi” had great length of body and height combined with a soft, bright medium wool. He produced a number of show champions and high-priced sires. Additionally, several other sires from Western Australia and South Australia were added to the emerging Willandra Poll Stud. The development of frozen semen and the new technology of laparoscopic artificial insemination (AI) allowed for sires to be joined to large numbers of ewes. For the first time, sires could be used nationally and internationally which opened up new marketing and breeding options for the stud industry. Under the guidance of Ross, Willandra was one of the early adopters of these techniques, which not only accelerated their breeding program but also generated positive media attention for the stud. “The two greatest sheep breeding impacts in my life were, firstly, the micron measurement of wool and, secondly, the perfecting of frozen semen, laparoscopic AI and embryo transfer (ET) programs,” Ross said. Sheep showing was to be a big part of Willandra’s promotion. In those times, Ross remembers the rural paper networks, including Queensland Country Life, The Pastoral Review and The Land, happily promoting the stud’s showing success. With progeny of the AI and ET programs coming through, show teams were exhibited throughout Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Ross would be away for extended periods of time developing client relationships and credits wife Irene’s support. He said, “My greatest asset though was my wife. She made sure I had everything, packed my case, waved me goodbye and sent me on my way to Queensland on so many occasions.” In the early 1980s, Willandra was winning major awards in Queensland, including Grand Champion Medium Ram at the 1981 Queensland State Sheep Show in Longreach. At the Interstate Sheep Show in Cunnamulla, Willandra won Grand Champion Ram with “Watson” and the champion breeder’s group of three rams and two ewes. In the early 1970s, Gordon McMaster and Alec Morrison were to have a profound conversation in relation to promoting Riverina Merino studs. They decided it would be beneficial to have on-property field days to promote what studs in the area were breeding. A meeting was called with 30 stud breeders in attendance and the Riverina Field Days was born. A committee was formed with a three-day event centring on the Jerilderie, Hay and Deniliquin regions to be held annually in March decided upon. Alec Morrison of Boonoke Stud was the inaugural chairman, with Willandra one of the inaugural studs to display at this event. Ross recalled, Gordon McMaster as being the “driving force and innovator over a long period of time for the field days.” As the years progressed, the event grew in prestige, with crowds reaching several thousand at its peak in the late 1980s. As the field days grew, elements such as Wool Corporation fashion parades, Riverina Ram of the Year and the Sandy Robertson Award for the outstanding young sheepbreeders were added to the program. Studs went to great lengths to present their properties in first-class order with large, in-depth displays of their stud sheep. Ross Wells commented, “you start at the front gate and make sure everything is in order”. Caroline Wells won the Sandy Robertson Award in 1986 and Willandra went on to win the Riverina Ram of the Year title in 1989 with “Louie II”. The Riverina Field Day committee meetings brought together a blend of corporate stud managers and owner operators – a dynamic mix of strong personalities who got things done. It was a great apprenticeship for anyone representing their industry at other forums. Ross Wells was a long-time committee member and served a two-year term as President. Willandra Supreme Ewe, Deniliquin 1988– A donor ewe in the first multi-vendor embryo auction. – 41 –
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