KEITH Bolto, Redlands, Macgillivray, Kangaroo Island, is optimistic wool prices will stay buoyant.
“We realise that prices are good and hope they remain that way, but don't expect it – we are optimistic,” he said.
Keith farms the 1750-hectare property with his brother Colin and parents Lyn and Trevor, who have been on the farm for 40 years.
He said strategy on the property was key to success each year.
“Our key point is our target isn’t productivity a head but productivity a hectare,” he said.
Keith said they chased traits such as fleece weight and fibre diameter, and the flock averaged 18.5 micron.
The family sources rams from WA, as they suit their breeding objective and have good fleece weights.
The commercial operation runs 15,000 Merinos, and uses artificial insemination to breed its own rams.
Keith said he hoped to increase lambing rates and remove oestrogenic clover.
“Poor lambing percentages have been a big issue for us and average at 80 per cent,” he said.
