TIME RIGHT TO PROFIT FROM PRIME LAMB
MILLMERRAN Dorper breeder David Curtis believes it is an optimum time to venture into prime lambs with a buoyant market and forecasts of an export rise.
Mr Curtis, from Bellevue Dorper and White Dorper stud, said sheep meat breeds were excelling in the processing sector as well as on the national show circuit.
“There has never been a better time to breed prime lamb,” Mr Curtis said.
“Prime lamb prices have been strong for some time and look like staying strong into the foreseeable future.
“Domestic demand for lamb is supported by Australian lamb exports forecast to rise to 56% in 2014.”
The Bellevue Dorper and White Dorper stud has also proven itself in the show ring.
This month Bellevue won the Supreme Dorper Exhibit at the 2014 Dorper Sheep Society of Australia National Show held in Dubbo.
But Mr Curtis said his greatest satisfaction had come from knowing the very same show-winning genetics were producing a quality prime lamb that was in demand.
He said Bellevue prime Dorper lambs have topped the Warwick weekly lamb sale several times in 2014, as have prime Dorper lambs bred by Bellevue clients.
“Commercially we measure the success of our genetics by the success of our clients, in the saleyards and abattoirs, top prices and high carcass yields that reflect the commercial attributes of our rams,” Mr Curtis said.
“We back this up by using our own rams in our own commercial prime Dorper lamb enterprise with excellent results.”
He said his enterprise was committed to selecting for the commercially important traits of early growth, excellent muscle, high carcass yields, and structural soundness focussing on feet, legs and shoulders, along with balanced fat coverage.
Bellevue Dorper and White Dorper ram sale will be held at Millmerran from 1pm on September 20, interfaced with AuctionsPlus.
bellevuedorpers.com.au