MERINOS
The Yanko is renowned for exceptional wool quality on robust sheep that breed with uniformity. The breeding of stud sheep has always had a commercial focus, supplying rams to The Yanko flock and in large drafts across NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.
This has led to a breed that is true to type, with a genetic package that is sought after on AuctionsPlus, in sale yards and on the wool floor.
Elite wool, sound conformation,
no compromises
BREEDING PHILOSOPHYThe focus of our breeding is elite wool sheep that are early maturing, large framed animals. We utilise all available information when selecting rams and ewes, analysing their genetic potential while always assessing each sheep on its phenotypic merit.
We select sheep with sound conformation, ensuring they can handle environmental conditions across varying landscapes, from Holbrook to Hay and up to Dirranbandi. The skin needs to be soft and comb well while carrying bright wool. We understand the importance of yield, and The Yanko wool keeps the dust out due to our selection focus on length of staple, fibre alignment and wool density.
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Breeding for Measurable Gains
Australian Sheep Breeding Values are used to guide selection across the traits that matter commercially. The Yanko aims to increase fleece weight, body weight, eye muscle depth, fat and weaning rate, while slightly reducing fibre diameter.
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Full Pedigree Recording
Since 2017, genomics have been used to build a deeper understanding of The Yanko’s genetic package. Full pedigree information is collected helping identify top-performing ewes, strengthening the stud’s breeding base.
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Tracked Through Every Stage
Each lamb is recorded at weaning, post-weaning, yearling and adult stages. This allows The Yanko to identify sires that mature quickly, deliver body weight when it matters and maintain the uniformity and structure the stud is known for.
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Benchmarking
Sire evaluations are also utilised to benchmark our genetics against the industry, giving us strong genetic linkage and a reliable reference for measuring our performance.
We place a high selection pressure on our stud ewes and expect them to perform, even in the toughest seasons. This gives us confidence that their progeny will travel well and perform from the moment they arrive on your property, delivering quick returns and longevity within your flock.
The Yanko Merino Stud was established in 1987
HISTORYThe bloodline was formed when the Cameron family purchased 6,000 ewes from Willandra Station, Hillston, in 1976. Ian Snr and Hugh used Pooginook rams for five years before they commenced breeding their own sires. Hugh established the Merino stud with the purchase of 100 ewes from Uardry, 2 rams from Pooginook and the transfer of 200 The Yanko ewes.
The Poll stud was established in 2013 with the transfer of 350 The Yanko ewes and the purchase of rams from Winyar, Glenlea Park and Blue Hills. The Poll stud has developed with genetic gains from Collinsville, Poll Boonoke and Moorundie Poll.
SHAPING THE YANKOData-driven breeding. Commercial results.
The Yanko sells rams to commercial clients in 4 states and has sold Stud Sires to Argentina, New Zealand and across Australia. The Stud runs 1,500 breeding ewes, with weaning percentages in the 120’s and wool cuts averaging 8.5kg.
Michael Elmes has been in the role of Classer for both Stud and Commercial flocks since 2014 and has been instrumental in the establishment of the Poll Stud, working with Hugh and Ian to identify top performing sires across the country that complement The Yanko sheep.
In 2016 with the help from Sally Martin of SheepMetrix, we entered a pilot program collecting DNA samples for identifying parentage and collecting the genomic information for lambs born in the stud. This information is the result of a significant investment by The Yanko in data recording, and we believe it positions us well for the future of Merino breeding.
Today both Stud’s continue to deliver results for clients. Wethers are turned off early with high yielding carcases, while ewe hoggets present as even lines that are easily identified as YKO Genetics.
PRESENT DAYThe Yanko Today
Ian Cameron is both Manager and Stud Master, while Hugh and Heather remain committed to the property and the product we sell. The Cameron Family is proud of the tradition of The Yanko and excited by what the future holds.
ANNUAL SALEOn Property Ram Sale
Poll merino and Merino rams are sold at The Yanko’s
On-Property Sale on the 4 th Thursday in September.