Karoonda & Districts Merino Field Days

Sherlock Poll

Stud Owner: Wesley and Andy Titley

Postal Address: Sherlock SA 5301

Phone: 08 8574 3054

Mobile: 0438 743 084

Email: sherlockpollmerinos@telstra.com

Sherlock Poll Merino Stud is a family enterprise, run on 14 inch rainfall, Mallee limestone country without irrigation. Sheep are bred to survive and thrive, hence their ability to perform in wide ranging climatic conditions from 8 inch rainfall station country to 30 inch mountain areas. The stud aims have always been sound structures with long bodies and meaty carcasses. Clients have reported outstanding wool cuts, micron, price and profit by sticking to our productive wools. We have maintained heavy wool cuts and now are recognised as one of the finest testing studs in SA.

‘Elite Wool’ is not new to Sherlock wools, with definite family lines well imprinted for generations. We expect continuous improvement and don’t rely on hybrid vigour. There is a lot to be said for sheep that have survived the classing race, having adapted to our tough environment. High rainfall genetics introduced in 1990 has allowed us the benefit of breeding wools that have better ability to resist blowfly strike and fleece rot. On going to print, no sheep have been fly-struck since they were shorn.

High priority classing points giving Sherlock a performance edge.

Wool – Scrag, mid-back and breach – all extremely important in the shearing shed, are reflected in the premiums paid for, and consistency lower micron of Sherlock Fibre. 2011 lambs wool 17.5m! (2012 Sale rams included in this).

Structure – Extra body length, big barrel, wide meaty behinds and correct legs and feet. Sherlock stud sires must have good crimpy white wool, and all above virtues. Majestic continues to shine as an industry leader and still possesses excellent structure, wool, and constitution as he moves into twilight. This durability must translate to profits for clients. He sold out again in 2011, and now his sons are breeding on as well. His lambs grow so fast!

At our first attempt in the fiercely competitive Adelaide Show Fibre Meat Class, Sherlock 333 measured 121kg, 18.5m, and a whopping 48mm Eye Muscle Depth. He conquered all SA comers and went on to sell to Morley Stud for $11,000. His EMD is 10% higher than what would have won this class a few years ago. 333 has raised the bar, see advert. Our Adelaide Sale team averaged $8,500 after a very successful on property sale. Sherlock semen has found its way to four states, including some very high profile studs and we keenly await progeny. Blue Hills 165 appears to tie in well with Majestic daughters and is breeding very white soft, deeply crimped modern fibre on big barrels.

Stud enquiry for both ewes and rams continues to grow. In 2010 the Broadoak Stud bought a selection of our young surplus ewes. In 2011 they brought the complete line. Two other studs were lining up. Against our peers in 2011 our show ewes enjoyed huge success. ET248 (by Thumper) was Grand Champion Fine Merino Ewe (18.6m) – Aust Sheep Show Bendigo, and went on to be overall Grand Champion Poll Merino Ewe in Adelaide. Proven Sherlock Genetics! ET096 (by Majestic) was Reserve Champion to her.

Sherlock’s 29th Annual auction is Tuesday 14th of August 2012. (Inspection 11a.m.).