Our Merino Stud
Goolgumbla has a well-earned reputation for producing high performing merino rams with excellent genetics.
Our bloodline can be traced back to 1908 when Goolgumbla was the 42nd merino stud to be registered in Australia. We are proud of our history and strive to uphold our core breeding values and build upon the heritage of our flock.
Goolgumbla's Stud Operations
Goolgumbla has been around for as long as anyone can remember.
Our stud was founded 112 years ago using ewes purchased from Haddon Rig, Willandra, Deniliquin's Stud Park and Old Cobran. The following year, these ewes were joined with rams from Boonoke, Wanganella, Willandra, Haddon Rig and Murgha.
Pure Peppin bloodlines were introduced to the stud prior to 1952. The only additions since this time have been sourced from the award winning Uardry merino stud near Hay.
Today, Goolgumbla's merinos are renowned for their large, strong frames, high fertility rates and free growing, long stapled bright wool – a testament to over 100 years of conscientious breeding.
We run a commercial type and breed back to the average of the stud, cutting 21 microns and 7.5 kilos of wool per head. Our soft stapled rams are layered with enough density to keep out dust and have been bred on a plainer bodied type for the past 40 years.
“Goolgumbla's merinos are a testament to over 100 years of conscientious breeding.”
Bruce Rollinson
“We are committed to sustainability, keeping the flock together and creating historic and genuine value.”
“Shearing time at Goolgumbla is one of the highlights of the year.”
The Goolgumbla stud consists of 1,000 rams and 7,000 stud ewes.
Each year we retain 40 rams to support the ongoing unique genetic characteristics of the Goolgumbla bloodline. The remainder are made available for private selection towards the end of September.
We also conduct an artificial breeding program with 250 ewes annually, using semen sourced from the best stud sires available.
“Each year we retain 40 rams to support the ongoing unique genetic characteristics of the Goolgumbla bloodline.”
“The poll merino industry is rapidly expanding and we have been encouraged by the improvement in the genetics.”
Poll Merino Stud
The Goolgumbla Poll Merino Stud was established in 2014 as part of our commitment to diversification and expansion. Two poll rams from the 'Charinga' stud were used to spearhead the venture.
The poll merino industry is rapidly expanding and we have been encouraged by the growing gene pool and subsequent improvement in the genetics. This progress will enable the industry to continuously develop, and Goolgumbla's poll breeding program is an important adjunct to our main stud operations.
Our Breeding Conditions
Goolgumbla is situated 66 kilometres north of Jerilderie in New South Wales, smack bang in the heart of some of the best natural sheep country in Australia.
Our Classing Values
Goolgumbla's success is based on a tried and true visual assessment process, supported by objective measurement.
Commitment to our Clients
Our deals are done with a handshake in the yards and many of our clients become friends for life – remarking on our good value and quality stock.
Goolgumbla Annual Sales
Our top-quality rams are available from September each year.
Cast for age stud ewes, surplus ewes and weathers are available from October.
Our Breeding Conditions
Goolgumbla is situated 66 kilometres north of Jerilderie in New South Wales, smack bang in the heart of some of the best natural sheep country in Australia.
We typically experience hot and dry conditions which are ideal for supporting the development and growth of first-rate merino stock. Our sheep develop a strong constitution in this tough environment and are renowned for being easy to handle, even during big barley grass years like 2020.
Good sheep nutrition is critical during the breeding process and we strive to ensure our flock is well nourished, in consultation with animal nutritionists.
Goolgumbla's merinos adapt well to most areas. While most our buyers are predominantly based in western New South Wales and Queensland, we also sell to producers in higher rainfall areas in Victoria – given our stock are not too heavily skinned and the good length of staple helps them to dry out quickly.
“The stud is the jewel in Goolgumbla’s crown and we are always looking for new ways to support the sustainability of our breeding flock.”
Our Classing Values
Goolgumbla's success is based on a tried and true visual assessment process, supported by objective measurement.
Our professional visual valuation of an animal's structure and constitution takes into account different variables that inevitably impact a sheep from season to season, during the course of their lifetime.
A simple production of criteria based on of kilos of wool, kilos of meat (both wether lambs and mutton) along with fertility and the sale of surplus ewes, is paramount to the Goolgumbla brand and reputation.
This information, when combined with raw data relating to characteristics such as fleece weight and weaning rates, informs our decision making and drives our breeding program.
“Goolgumbla is one of the leading ram breeders known for producing extremely good value commercial flock merino rams, priced from $700 to $1,500.”
Chris Bowman,
Stud Classer
Not a year has gone by since our stud was established in 1908 when we haven't pushed to improve the genetics of our flock. Identifying and retaining high quality sheep increases returns through productive progeny and Goolgumbla has benefitted from excellent classing over the years.
The highly respected Duncan McDonald classed at Goolgumbla from the late 1950s until his retirement in 2002, four years after the Rollinsons purchased the property. Working alongside him was Ian (Blue) McMaster who tallied up 47 years on Goolgumbla as Stud Master. He sadly died a few years after leaving and his ashes were scattered around the ram shed on the property.
Stuart Murdoch worked as the stud's classer between 2002-06, bringing with him years of experience and a sharp eye when it came to reading sheep.
Today Goolgumbla is managed by Bruce Rollinson and classed by Chris Bowman, who is well known and respected widely by both clients and peers.
Bruce's father Bob is always on hand to cast a discerning eye across the flock as well, sharing his knowledge and resourcefulness which has been honed through his own Concordia Merino Stud, and rewarded at numerous sheep shows.
Goolgumbla at a glance
7,000 breeding ewes
1000 rams
Average 7.5 kg fleece weight
Average 21 micron
90% of lambs weaned from ewes joined
MN3 status for National Johnes Disease Program
Brucellosis Accredited Free Flock
“For us, a deal is sealed by a handshake and our clients become friends for life.”
Commitment to our Clients
Goolgumbla is one of only a few larger studs that sells rams privately.
Our deals are done with a handshake in the yards and many of our clients become friends for life – remarking on our good value and quality stock.
We take the time to understand each of our buyer's specific needs and stay in contact afterwards, to follow up on their results. It matters to us that they are happy and satisfied and we actively welcome feedback.
Buyers appreciate our refreshing approach which is intentionally simple and commercially focussed. They know that Goolgumbla consistently offers very good value commercial merino rams, in the $700-$1,500 range, year after year. Our aim is to produce the best possible merinos for our clients, as well as our own breeding program.
“Our larger framed stock are regarded as highly fertile and good producers of quality wool.”
Goolgumbla Annual Sales
Goolgumbla is one of only a few larger studs that sells rams privately.
Our deals are done with a handshake in the yards and many of our clients become friends for life – remarking on our good value and quality stock.
We take the time to understand each of our buyer's specific needs and stay in contact afterwards, to follow up on their results. It matters to us that they are happy and satisfied and we actively welcome feedback.
Buyers appreciate our refreshing approach which is intentionally simple and commercially focussed. They know that Goolgumbla consistently offers very good value commercial merino rams, in the $700-$1,500 range, year after year. Our aim is to produce the best possible merinos for our clients, as well as our own breeding program.
“Our deals are done with a handshake in the yards and many of our clients become friends for life.”