After three decades of breeding high-performance Poll Dorset and White Suffolk sheep, and more than eight decades breeding stud sheep, Roger and Dianne Trewick’s Pepperton stud, based at Elmore, Victoria, has drawn the curtain on a distinguished chapter in Australian prime lamb genetics.
The stud’s final ram sale not only marked the end of an era but also raised $13,000 for Bowel Cancer Australia in memory of the late studstock auctioneer Michael Glasser, who lost his life to the disease this year at the age of 59.
The sale topped at $13,000 for Lot 1, with all proceeds from the top lot donated to Bowel Cancer Australia.
Pepperton’s final ram sale achieved a 76% clearance, with 61 of 80 rams sold and an average of $2,123.
The ram was knocked down to Lachie Kelly, Ivadene and LSK studs, Hexham, in partnership with Matt Tonissen, Chrome Sheep studs, Hamilton.
“Michael supported us from our very first stud sale many years ago. His generosity with his time and knowledge was invaluable to us, and we will miss him greatly,” Dianne Trewick said.
Established in 1994, the Trewicks’ Pepperton Poll Dorset stud was among the early adopters of LAMBPLAN performance recording, focusing on growth, muscling and moderate fat levels.
In 2004, the stud expanded to include White Suffolks, producing around 200 rams annually, grazed primarily on lucerne with minimal grain supplementation during dry periods.
Mrs Trewick said the decision to retire came down to the physical demands of running the stud and a desire for a change of pace.
“It’s just getting to be a bit too much with all the physical work, and we’d like to take a break now - do a bit of travelling and just run commercial sheep instead," she said.
"Our daughter-in-law works with us and will be taking over those, so it’ll be a lot easier for us. We’ve been breeding stud sheep for 35 years and have really reached the top, especially with the sheep genetics. It just felt like the right time to step back.”
In the breakdown of the ram sale, all 40 Poll Dorset rams sold at auction, knocked down to a top price of $13,000, and 21 of 40 White Suffolk rams to a top price of $4,000.
Online engagement was strong, with 52 registered online bidders via AuctionsPlus. Eight were successful, purchasing nine rams in total, with the top online price reaching $6,500 for Lot 4.
Online competition came from across Tasmania, Victoria and NSW, underscoring Pepperton’s long-standing reputation across multiple states.
Earlier in the month, Pepperton hosted its final ewe dispersal sale, which also featured four rams within the catalogue. Overall, with 108 of 111 lots sold, with a Poll Dorset ram achieving the top price of $16,000, Tag 240317 (Lot 1), a record for the stud.
Tag 240317 (Lot 1), who sold for a stud record price of $16,000. Pic: Supplied via AuctionsPlus
Tag 240317 was ranked in the top 1% of the breed in Australia for weaning weight (WWT), post-weaning weight (PWWT), post-weaning eye muscle depth (PEMD), lean meat yield (LMY), lamb eating quality (LEQ) and the terminal carcase production (TCP) index.
The ewe dispersal sale resulted in Pepperton genetics being disseminated into five states, ensuring the stud’s influence will continue well beyond its closure.
Nigel Starick from Elders Bendigo, and Ryan Bajada, from Elders Stud Stock, Albury, were the agents for both sales.