Baderloo attracts increasing support The recipe devised by the Hammat family as their sale method is based very much around client education with no buying pressure. Commencing with an open inspection day where there are definitely no sales undertaken, Phil, Ann, Daniel and Mel Hammat put their modern and productive Poll Merino rams up for inspection with a full range of Sheep Select ASBVs on display with each ram. Potential buyers have come to appreciate this, as before they make any buying decisions they become more informed on being able to match rams best suited to their production objectives. This softly, softly approach has resulted in more and more clients attending the open inspection day, which has flowed on to increased demand and sales. Well over 100 attended this year’s open day in August, including many new faces. Many of these unpampered and paddock reared rams are ranked in the top 10% of the national Merino flock for both wool and carcase traits which is a credit to the Hammats on their dedicated approach to dual purpose sheep production, based on commercial experience and economic returns for clients. High fertility is also entrenched in the Baderloo sheep, with the Hammats and many clients regularly reporting over 130% lambs weaned. As an indication of the stud’s breeding direction, their stud reserves on display were a highlight with long meaty frames and carrying long stapled, white, bright and bold crimping wools. The four have similar ASBVs and average 21 Ycfwt, 0.67 Yfd, -1.6 Ycv, 16.95 Ysl, 8.98 Ywt, 0.57 Yfat and 1.55 Yemd. From a carcase perspective they are all positive for fat and particularly high in muscling which makes them exceptionally good and relatively rare within the national Merino flock for this combination of traits. Rams are then selected by clients on order from the day after the field day. Part way through the sales process; 139 rams had been sold and have averaged $1110. Visitors to the Baderloo Poll Merino open inspection day checking out the rams on display with full Merino Select ASBV information. Baderloo principal, Phil Hammat (right) is showing visitors Ian and Pam Sparks, Jamestown some of the young paddock reared Baderloo Poll Merino rams. Baderloo co-principal, Dan Hammat (right) discusses sheep breeding issues with Graham Crawford, Kingscote, Andrew Michael, Snowtown, Andrew Mitchell, Mintaro, and David kellock, Farrell Flat at the Baderloo open inspection day. Samuel Tiller (centre), Balaklava discusses sheep issues with Mel and Dan Hammat at the Baderloo open inspection day. Baderloo co-principals Dan & Mel Hammat are pictured at the Baderloo open inspection day with visitors, Amy and Brett Sparks, Jamestown. Gary Sparks (left) Jamestown and David Bruce (right), Andrews are with Baderloo principals Ann and Phil Hammat at the Baderloo open inspection day. Some of the young paddock reared and fully performance tested Poll Merino rams on display for visitors to inspect at the Baderloo open inspection day. Some of the young paddock reared and fully performance tested Poll Merino rams on display for visitors to inspect at the Baderloo open inspection day. Rosemary Michael, Snowtown, Bev Kellock, Farrell Flat talking with Baderloo’s Ann Hammat at the Baderloo open inspection day. Ann Hammat, Baderloo Poll Merino stud, Spalding discussing sheep breeding issues with visitor, Steve Reynolds. Visitors to the Baderloo Poll Merino open inspection day checking out the rams on display with full Merino Select ASBV information. Visitors to the Baderloo Poll Merino open inspection day checking out the rams on display with full Merino Select ASBV information. Baderloo principal, Phil Hammat (centre) is discussing sheep issues with the Tillers from Balaklava at the Baderloo open inspection day. Pitlochry Station’s Peter Battersby and his wife inspect some of the young paddock reared and fully performance tested Poll Merino rams on display at the Baderloo open inspection day.