After 30 years of running The Mountain Dam stud, breeders Tom and Alison Silcock have decided to sell the operation.
The Telangatuk East stud will conduct its final on-property ram sale in early November, where as well as the rams on offer, the entire flock will be on display to prospective buyers.
Mr Silcock said while he doesn’t think he will ever properly retire, the decision was made to sell so he and Ms Silcock can ease into retirement.
And he said taking over the stud does not fit with his son and daughter-in-law John and Merty Silcock’s future plans.
“Part of good succession is allowing the next generation to follow their own dreams and we do not want to see the stud gradually wind down,” he said.
“We plan to continue to operate at full pace and are gearing up for our best ever ram sale; we are committed to providing the very best rams for our clients.”
The renowned stud is already on the market, for sale by negotiation.
Mr Silcock said in an ideal world, they would find a buyer that would buy it as is.
He said depending on the buyer, there could still be room for the family to be involved in the operation.
Having been involved in the sheep industry for so many decades, he said he has no plans of leaving it, particularly when it’s in such good shape.
“I’m still very passionate, I do a fair bit of sheep classing for ram breeders and commercial farmers, I’m also heavily involved in sire evaluation and wether trials, and will still be involved in that,” he said.
But he said being able to sell the stud on their terms meant they could go out on a high.
“I think it’s important to create your own destiny and let things happen, at least this way we’re going out in a manner that’s in our control,” he said.
He said 30 years ago, the now Mecardo managing director Robert Herrmann was pivotal in encouraging the family to start the stud, and fittingly, Mr Herrmann will help them close this chapter, helping with the negotiation of the sale.
Mr Herrmann said after winning Flock of the Year in 1989, he encouraged Mr and Ms Silcock to get into the stud game.
“Their original aim was to have a 19-19.5 micron clip average and today they have achieved an average micron of 17, cutting just as much wool,” Mr Herrmann said.
“They have continued refining their genetics over the years, now predominantly Poll Merinos with many other impressive carcase improvements.”
The Silcock family’s final on-property sale will be held on Monday, November 5.
Joely Mitchell
Joely started her career at Stock & Land as a cadet journalist in 2016. She is now the editor of the paper.
Joely started her career at Stock & Land as a cadet journalist in 2016. She is now the editor of the paper.
