STUD HISTORY
Glencraig Suffolk Sheep Stud was founded in December 1996 with the purchase of 10 stud ewes from the late Bryan Smith, "Karlinka" Stud (Flock No. 803) near Darkan, Western Australia. Most of these ewes were by Nankeen 85/90, Pamellen 105/88 and Karrawonga 584 of 88. The ram Cheeryna 290/95 was purchased to mate with these ewes.
In 1997 six more ewes of similar breeding were purchased from "Karlinka", as well as the ram Cheeryna 1415/96 from Cheeryna. An additional 5 ewes were purchased from the "Karlinka" dispersal sale in 2000. Cheeryna 1415 left impressive hindquarters on his progeny. In 2001 Rouken-Glen 244/00 was purchased to use over the daughters of 1415/96. This has been an advantageous combination with increased eye muscle in particular.
After a visit to South Australia in 2003, four ewes from the "Letts" stud were purchased and imported into Western Australia. These ewes and others have been mated to a home bred sire Glencraig 159/02 who has impressive eye muscle area and was grand champion ram at the Dinninup Show and reserve champion in his class at Wagin Woolorama in 2004.
On 13th January 2004 a laproscopic AI programme was conducted on 22 mixed age ewes. The rams used were Wendenlea 164/00, the second highest ranked Suffolk ram on lambplan in Australia, as well as Wendenlea 261/93 and Wendenlea 71/02 (one ewe). Pinegrove 153/96 (NZ), and Marananga 187/92, (Tasmania) were also used. The ram Cheeryna 54/01was used as a backup sire over the AI ewes.
The stud mated 63 ewes in 2004 with the eventual number to increase to 100 in two years to maintain three breeding families. Emphasis is placed on growth rate and eye muscle area. Sheep are run on a very commercial basis with no committed interest in the show ring.
Glencraig has been a Lambplan participant since it�s inception in 1996.
STUD SALES
Rams for sale are available on property after the Darkan Ram Sale, usually the second Tuesday in October each year. A team of 7 are usually sold at the Darkan Sale, last year averaging $725.
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