SheepMaster Parent Stud

11/06/2026

When Damara sheep first left the Nile Valley and were herded south through Africa, only the most functional sheep made the trip. Anthropologists tell us the herders needed highly fertile ewes (anything that didn't have a lamb was eaten), great mothers (anything that didn't rear a lamb was eaten), sheep that could walk freely and easily (anything with bad feet got left behind), and ewes with plenty of milk and sound udders because the herders relied on that milk themselves.

They also needed soft, pliable skins for clothing and calm temperaments. A rogue sheep that wouldn't stay with the mob was a prime target for predators and wasn't likely to last long.

The Damara became known for fertility, maternal ability, milking capacity, sound feet and legs, soft skin and a quiet nature.

SheepMaster is the only shedding breed that has used the Damara as a foundation breed, and funnily enough, all the traits that were important 2,000 years ago are exactly what we select for today. Highly fertile, functional cleanskin ewes that can survive, thrive and wean their own bodyweight every 12 months.

Good sheep are still good sheep. The fundamentals haven't changed.

02/06/2026

Following on from our previous post, we received a lot of questions. Below are some of the traits we commonly see across shedding sheep and the impact they can have on your bottom line.

Short legs – Reduced ability to travel and cover country. In extensive environments, mobility matters.

Short body – Weight comes from length. A longer-bodied sheep has greater capacity for growth and production.

Small – This one should be self-explanatory.

Woolly sheep – Flystrike isn't much fun. And for those who argue wool is needed for sun protection, how do cattle manage?

Feet pointing in all directions – You can keep toe-cutting forever, or you can address the underlying skeletal structure. A correctly made animal should have sound feet.

Poor temperament – This drives every aspect of production. A calm, curious animal will consistently outperform one that is nervous, aggressive, or flighty.

One final comment...

We see a lot of shedding rams being marketed as terminal sires. Remember, your shedding sheep still need to eat, walk, reproduce, rear lambs and remain productive for years. Our clients' ewes are regularly weaning their own body weight every 12 months across a wide range of environments, and doing so over long productive lifetimes (8+ years).

Eat. Walk. Reproduce - These are the non-negotiables.

If you want to use a terminal sire, that's your choice (although we'd suggest having a look at our ASBVs first). Just remember that terminal progeny are destined for slaughter long before wool ever becomes a problem.

The goal shouldn't simply be a sheep that sheds. The goal should be a sheep that sheds and excels at everything else that actually makes money.

25/05/2026

Had a great couple of days at Broken Hill AgFair. It was great to catch up with so many people and hear that some areas are finally getting a genuine season.

Everyone understands the benefits of running cleanskins, but what really stood out over the weekend was the reaction to just how clean our SheepMaster flock rams were. We never shear or trim them. People were also impressed with how well they move and handle themselves on their feet - our 6-month-old ram lambs averaged 70kg and have never been toe cut, and likely never will be.

Another thing that drew plenty of comments was their temperament. These boys came straight out of the paddock and stayed quiet and easy to handle all weekend. We firmly believe temperament drives production, and when clients are regularly weaning a ewe’s bodyweight every 12 months, something is clearly working.

Maybe it’s time to take a look at SheepMaster's in your cleanskin operation - because running shedding sheep doesn’t have to be hard.

SheepMaster - the shedding sheep you’ve been looking for.

14/04/2026

11/02/2026

SheepMaster Parent Stud ram sale result 💥

45/50 rams sold for a top price of $14,000 (Lot 1) and averaged $2,322.

Thank you to the owners, managers and staff of the SheepMaster parent stud for entrusting your sale to Elders.

Elders Dubbo StockLive The Land

10/02/2026

And we’re ready to go!!

With only 1 hour until inspections start, we reckon we’ve made pretty good time this year.

Rams are tied up, kettles boiled, and we’re ready for inspections ☕🐏

https://app.stocklive.com.au/auctions/1798593/lots

10/02/2026

The boys have rolled into the sale area and are all set for today’s sale.

Geez… don’t they look the goods.

Don’t miss out today at The SheepMaster Parent Stud. Inspections from 10am, sale starts 1pm.

📍 837 Goodacre Drive, Woodstock NSW 2793

https://app.stocklive.com.au/auctions/1798593/lots

10/02/2026

The boys are counting down the minutes until they’re out in your paddocks!
Just check out their response to a mob of ewes passing by 👀🔥

Don’t forget our on-property ram sale, tomorrow - Wednesday 11th February.

50 top young Sheepmaster rams, ready to come home with you.

09/02/2026

Our trial tie up for our 11th of Feb On-Property Ram Sale is complete, and we couldn't be happier with how the rams performing.

Just have a look at the video below 👇

Link to online catalouge on StockLive - https://app.stocklive.com.au/auctions/1798593/lots

04/02/2026

The kettle’s boiled, the snags are defrosted, the beers are cold and the sheep are polished - our second open day is officially underway.

Zac, Harry and Mark are here all day, so make sure you swing past for a look at this year’s sale rams, along with mixed-age stud ewes and ewe weaners.

📍 837 Goodacre Drive, Woodstock NSW 2793

We look forward to seeing you.