Under the guidance of John Williams the ‘Koonwarra type’ of sheep has evolved into one that offers a tremendous genetic balance of quality fine/fine medium wools on a carcass that has superior shape and make, cutability and scale to many other sheep in the same micron category.

The Koonwarra annual general shearing was undertaken in the middle of March 2001 where 2,692 mixed aged ewes from one anda half to fifteen years of age were shorn, to average 8.34kg or 18.399lbs. All mature age lines averaged 20.38 micron, fractionally higher than the long term average of 20.3 micron, which no doubt reflected the higher than average rainfall and better season experienced throughout 2000. The total clip averaged 19.7 micron, with an average comfort factor of 98%. The clip received good competition from the trade, with 22 individual exporters and buying houses purchasing the clip. Most pleasing was the fact that every fleece displayed great colour, brightness and bloom for which the Koonwarra sheep are renowned.

Ross Ivey "Glentanner", Mount Cook, New Zealand has successfully utilised Koonwarra genetics directly and indirectly, including KWA 2.49 and KWA 3.21. He is pictured with fleeces that went on to win Grand Champion Fine, Medium and Strong Wool classes and Supreme Exhibit at the Fairlie Wool Exhibition.

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The Merino Industry

Koonwarra Stud Representative,
John Bensley and
John Lawson, "Cross Station",
Taralga cast an eye over
Koonwarra sale rams.