On the Bungeet slopes, north of Benalla, the flocks have been enjoying a lush winter, and stud master Steve James is looking forward to his first sale with a newly acquired flock.
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Steve and Mardi James have taken over the Majella Poll Dorset stud from veteran sheep producer Bill Sammon, and will be putting 100 of the best under the hammer on September 18.
The James family has been farming on the Bungeet property since 1878, and the latest in the James line, Steve and Mardi, took up the opportunity to purchase the neighbouring Majella stud when the Sammon family decided to wind down.
“We have been buying Bill’s rams for a few decades to use in our own prime lamb production,” Steve said.
“We know the rams are healthy and strong and produce excellent quality lambs. We feel confident whilst moving Majella into the future.”
Bill has been able to offer some continuing advice for the Jameses.
“One of the reasons we believe Bill offered us the stud is that we’re only just up the road and he can come and have a look at the stud’s progress throughout the year at his leisure!” Steve said.
“We certainly haven’t minded though because he has imparted a lot of his wisdom and knowledge of the stud game onto us, and his ongoing mentorship is greatly appreciated.”
Agents in conjunction are AWN, Elders and Nutrien.
The rams will be offered in pens of three with a pick-of-the-pen selling system.
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