Questioning tradition in Merino breeding with Dom Hallam

Looking to change your Merino genetics? What actually happens when you switch types? For our guest this week, Dom Hallam, it started with his parents.

Coming from a traditional fine wool background, they began looking for something different, eventually bringing sheep from New England into their flock. The change was rapid, and before long the sheep looked very different. His parents' willingness to try something new eventually led them into breeding their own rams and establishing the Cooee Merino stud. 

A few years ago, Dom came across a type of Merino that caught his attention when 'browsing sheep on the internet', as one does. Those sheep were Konsortium Merinos. Originally from South Africa, they have been bred in Australia to become a very fertile, wrinkle-free Merino with great meat attributes. Dom travelled to see the sheep and decided he was bringing some home with him. Tune in to see how they've performed and how he's planning to cross them with his original flock. 

Before he returned to the family farm, Dom spent time in the US studying horse dentistry. What he learnt about skull structure and dentition has stayed with him, and he now considers those same principles when breeding sheep. He has some unique insights into issues such as undershot jaws. 

For Dom, the interesting part of breeding is that there is always another question to ask and another change to make. The best advice he learnt from his parents? 'You can't change unless you change.'

Ferg is out and about on the road over the coming weeks. Catch him at the following events: 

• 28 August – Precision, productivity and profit (workshop)
• 8 September – Pooginook Poll Merino open day
• 9 September – Mumblebone open day

Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. 

We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.

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