NNNorthern Valleyy News
Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal
It’s Showtime!
The mighty merino!
OCTOBER
Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New
ISSUE
18
There is something quite magnificent about a Merino Ram, they really are the Hercules of sheep. I’ve had a recent love affair with Merino Wool, preparing for a white Christmas with Santa in Lapland and the dreaded chill factor. So it was great interest that I attended my first Merino Stud Auction, at Roger Glover’s Mallibee Stud, to learn a little about the source of this amazing fibre. The highest price Merino Ram was purchased by Greg Cocking of Wannamal. I asked why did Greg chose this Ram out of the 60 on offer? With his great farmer sense of humour, Greg shared, “I probably jumped in too soon, but I only need a couple of Rams.” To his credit I think he just knew the best when he saw it. “I thought he was the best ram in the shed, better than the number one. A bit more stretch, a lovely bit of “top notch” (good wool in between eyes), nice and thick horns, good curvature, with good clearance for the shearer. He was an inch and 1/2 taller than number one with a strong straight back.” Greg shares, “ Roger’s rams are pretty consistent. I like them because I like fine white wool with the fine creep. I only buy rams from within our area, the local stuff seems to do better. “ This newly acquired ram will return home, to settle in. When ready, he’ll be matched with about 60-70 ewes. According to Greg, he’ll place them with older ewes, “Never maiden rams with maiden ewes.” I asked Greg if he had explored AI, “from my experience the AI conception is only about 60%, I prefer the natural way, let the boy do what he does best”. What the mighty merino does best is create this woolen textile, which is really quite miraculous. Next time you have the chance – take the opportunity to inspect closely. Lifetime shearer, Greg Drew, offered me a lesson in inspecting the fineness of the staple (a cluster of fibres make a staple). Very many staples together form a fleece. Serrations on the individual fibres make it p ossible for the fibers to cling together, very fine binders which run crossways also help to hold the staple together.
Roger Glover, Frank McGill, Craig Williamson, Greg Cocking
GINGIN
$629,000
BRAND NEW HOME 2.5 acres nestled on the edge of the escarpment. Brand new four bedrooms, two bathroom brick and iron home with magnificent views over the coastal plain. An inspection will impress. Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864
Ph: 08 9575 2566 www.cabassirealty.com
CHITTERING
Continued on Page 11, Livestock.
$525,000
SPACE FOR THE FAMILY TO GROW Your family will love this modern 4 x 2 Ross Squire home on 5 acres in Chittering Rise estate. Gourmet kitchen, large open plan family/ meals, separate lounge and dining (or study). Wood heating and r/c air-con. Excellent ground water supply. 9m x 8m powered shed with toilet and shower. Craig Hyne 0448 825 833
BINDOON
$749,000 8.4 ACRES
8 Hidaway Drive, Bindoon The complete package – outstanding and grand two storey 5x2 home, well maintained property with paddocks, workshop, soak, orchard plus much much more!!
BINDOON $499,000 4.4 ACRES 41 Robin Grove, Bindoon. Good sized 4 x 2 brick and iron home amidst a wildflower wonderland. Scheme water, Solar HWS, ducted evap a/c, ample storage, situated at the end of cul-de-sac.
Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502
P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com