RAMS from award-winning Calivil Merino stud Kedleston Park are boosting profitability for farmers across central Victoria and into New South Wales.
John and Rosemary Humbert’s dual-purpose offering is recognised by graziers for genetics that produce good fleece weights.
“We average 19.5 microns offering a good balance for fine wool between quality and quantity,” said John who this month exhibited at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show’s national fleece competition and was awarded with the Grand Champion prize.
“Our genetics are in demand across the region for farmers wanting that good wool quality in a segment of the market that attracts the better prices.
“We are breeding to increase the returns our clients can achieve for their flocks for both wool and sales of stock for meat production.
“Our rams and their genetics are suited to most parts of Victoria.”
John said demand for Kedleston Park’s genetics had seen semen sales in central New South Wales, including the New England region.
“Our clients recognised the importance of putting Kedleston Park genetics into their breeding ewes and put rams at our annual on-property sale and throughout the year ... we sold one ram for $20,000 before last year’s auction
“Our 2025 auction will have again have a depth in the offering at price points for all existing and new clients with an eye for growing fleece and flock profitability.” High lambing percentages will be a further selling focus for the offering from Kedleston Park that benchmarks its genetics at major shows.
At the 2025 Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Kedleston Park matched its success in the fleece competition with achievements on the show mat - Grand Champion March Shorn strong wool Poll Ewe, reaching the final five of National March-shorn pairs that was contested by more than 50 teams, third in the All-Purpose national final and a swag of event ribbons.
“The Grand Champion fleece certainly set the scene for what was to be our most successful show since we registered the stud in 2005,” John said.
“This year we are offering a line of rams from Kedleston Park Prime - a new meat Merino family we have established with great success with genomic ASBVs average figures of this sale group being YWT 11.05, YEMD 2.34, YFAT 0.97, YCFW 34.24 and SL 13.71.”