About One Oak Poll
One Oak Poll is a family run business, established in 1963. We have been breeding Poll Merinos for over 60 years – and are now in our third generation of Stud Merino breeding.
We aim to use a balanced approach within our breeding program, combining measurement tools with visual appraisal. Our focus is on breeding an uncomplicated, heavy cutting, quality wool sheep, that is productive and ultimately dual purpose; placing an emphasis on bright quality wool grown on a robust frame.
Our annual on property auction is held on the last Friday in September. Private selection of rams is available in the days following the auction. We are more than happy for you to inspect our sheep.
Please give us a ring and make an appointment.
Balanced free growing merinos
Production of free growing, quality wool, on a good skin with shearability, has been central to our breeding goals for many years. Leading One Oak Poll sire, “Mr Ed” had significant staple length which he stamped into our genectics over 25 years ago. This trait of extra staple length was bolstered with the introduction of WP-422. We are continually working towards blending extra staple length with rich, quality wool, whilst maintaining an emphasis on constitution and conformation.
Measuring production
Electronic tagging, auto drafting, individual data recording and DNA testing has assisted with the accuracy of the implementation of our breeding goals.
Every young ram is fleece weighed and their skin and fleece is described and recorded, when shorn in March. This description assists us to better understand the measured qualities in wool and skin that we select for.
The use of the autodrafter, with electronic scales enables us to focus on the body types that will perform better over the hooks. DNA testing sires has provided accurate pedigree information which has greatly enhanced our breeding program.
Do Ability
One Oak Poll has 2500 Stud breeding ewes, run on 5000ha of Riverina plains and Boree country. Our sheep are run on a combination of native pasture and a small percentage (12%) of farming country, where a rotation of oats, barley and wheat are grown for grazing. We consistently select the toughest, most robust sheep, which will survive and thrive as an easy care animal. Our sheep are bred to survive and thrive in a tough environment.
Wool Type
Our five year, stud ewe average is 19.5 micron, with our breeding types ranging from 17/18 to 21 micron. This allows our genetics to be suitable for a varied range of environmental conditions; from the cooler, wetter climates of Western Victoria and New England regions to the warmer, lower rainfall areas of NSW, WA and Queensland.
We select for white, bright, crimping wool whilst classing, in combination with a focus on heavier cutting traits.
Breeding by type
Over a number of years we have developed our breeding program to consist of four types: white, blue, red and purple tags. Each type is comprised of sheep with particular traits which are measured, classed and allocated based on their micron, body type and genetic background. In order to achieve our breeding goals we both line and cross breed within these four types.
Genetics
Dominant sires have stamped genetic characteristics and traits into the four family groups within our breeding program. These sires include:
- Red 31 (R5031), his progeny and brother (R15045)
- O18010
- Morundie Park sire, NE8-144
- sons and grandsons of LB44001
Meet our stud classer
Michael Elmes from Smart Stock, in Narandera, has been our stud classer for the past 20 years. Michael’s broad knowledge and experience in the Merino industry has been invaluable to our stud’s success.