In that era, most studs based their breeding on one parent stud. In One Oak’s case, Graham was prepared to use different genetic strains to create a hybrid type, combining the outstanding features of both bloodlines to create an improved type. The other area where One Oak was to differentiate itself was to create distinct family types specifically designed for different regions. In time, they registered three studs. One Oak was a medium/bold-medium type for the Riverina and the wheat sheep zone, concentrating on structural correctness and wool cutting ability. One Oak No.2, founded in 1970, was developed with the purchase of 300 Merryville ewes and a Merryville sire, which was to have an immediate impact. These Merryville ewes were joined to select fine-medium One Oak sires, while the Merryville sire was joined to the best fine-medium pure wool One Oak ewes. The initial crosses were then line-bred for generations, creating a stud with high wax, waterproof wool that had the ability to withstand high rainfall and stocking rates while offering a genome type that could lift fleece weight. Stud interest in the No.2 family was instantaneous, with two young stud sires being exported to New Zealand after attracting interest from prominent local studs, including Bill Gibson’s Malvern Hills and the Jopp family’s Moutere. The One Oak Poll stud was founded on the famous Bundemar bloodlines, with Merinos bred for those seeking a dual-purpose animal with high fertility. Wanting to increase Poll Merino numbers, Graham purchased both Stud Park North (1979) and Pooginook stud ewes (1980) to increase depth. Graham commented, “In the earlier days, the Polls tended to be reversed micron, i.e. testing stronger than visual assessment, and one of the great advancements in Poll breeding today is that is no longer the case. The future does seem to be Polls taking over the industry”. Graham’s son Alistair grew up in the stud game, gaining outside experience through jackarooing with Graeme Black in New Zealand and Ken Littlejohn at Haddon Rig, Western Australia. He also spent time in the bulk handling department of Elders in Melbourne, gaining valuable insight into the wool trade. In 1998, Alistair and wife Natasha asked Graham if it would be possible to take over the running of One Oak Poll. With Alistair assuming the studmaster role and stud sire sales peaking at $30,000 in recent years, Graham is very proud of the success that One Oak Poll has achieved. When setting up the One Oak studs, Keith McColl was employed as stud classer and Graham reflected on Keith’s immense influence. “Keith was my mentor who taught me a lot of the basic principles which formed my thoughts on breeding. Keith believed in the balance of an animal and warned if you, at special stud level, bred to extremes, more culls would result”. Keith McColl retired in 1977 and Graham employed Ian Marwedel, former studmaster at Oolambeyan, who as classer “imprinted the structural correctness and wool cut One Oaks were known for”. “Donald Mac”– One Oak’s first major championship winner, winning medium wool champion in both 1960 and 1961 at ASBA show in Melbourne. One Oak succession– Keith McColl, the Merino stud’s original classer, with new classer Ian Marwedel and Alby Wells, principal of One Oak, standing alongside the numerous ribbons the stud accumulated. – 47 –
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