THIS year is a special one for Poll Dorsets, with the celebration of the 60th year since the Australian Poll Dorset Association was founded.
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The Poll Dorset breed, developed in Australia by Australian producers to perform in Australian conditions, continues to do just that; perform exceptionally well for prime lamb producers through all states and environs in this vast country.
That is why it sits comfortably as the prime lamb industry’s number one sire breed of choice.
The modern Poll Dorset has great market appeal and offers ease of lambing, the capacity to overcome adverse seasonal conditions and the ability to finish stock as a prime article.
The characteristics of the breed such as rapid growth rate, superior fleshing and muscular development make them ideally suited for the meat trade.
The highly successful Lambex 2014 conference held in Adelaide in May reinforced the Poll Dorset breed’s consistent and exceptional qualities. In the ‘Australia’s Best Lamb’ competition, over 60 entries were received from producers, butchers, processors and retailers from all regions of the country.
There were three weight categories for both grass fed and grain fed finishing systems. Six of those entrants were from Poll Dorset sired lambs.
However, those 6 Poll Dorset sired entries excelled with three gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal. Six of the overall entries were selected as finalists and of those, three (50%) were the Poll Dorset sired gold medal winning entries!
That is way above any other breed representation.
The lambs were judged on all criteria relating to consumer preferences, so besides the normal carcase assessments, there were extensive taste and appeal judging from a wide range of select industry and consumer judges.
The gold medals were received from different weight ranges and finishing regimes. That is consistency and adaptability you can trust.
The entrenched purity of the breed ensures that consistency in the product produced. Commercial producers can have great faith in the expected performance levels from Poll Dorset rams.
The growth rate of Poll Dorset sired lambs is exceptionally good, especially early, an important factor in allowing producers to market lambs for quick turnoff, particularly relevant to those in drier areas, or during poorer seasons in any area.
For prime lamb producers all these advantages culminate into the most important factors in lamb production; greater market flexibility and profitability.
That profitability is a direct result of the Poll Dorset sired lamb being demanded by more sectors of the industry, but most importantly the consumer.
Put simply, Poll Dorsets tick more boxes more often. They’re number one for all the right reasons.
Quality Poll Dorsets can be readily inspected at any of the numerous shows, field days and sales around the country, including the Southern Tablelands region of NSW.
For more information, view the Association’s website, or contact the regional secretary, Jo-Anne Rowley on (02) 6385 3158, or the national secretary, Tessa Dawes on (08) 8210 5235.