Comer family's strategic sheep success

Selling under Comer Family Trust, the Woodstock West-based farming operation is run by Brad and Rachael Comer, and Brad's father Brian.

Brad Comer said the sheep operation, comprising 2000 Merino ewes, was an important part of the business that also included around 400 hectares of crops.

"You can never have enough sheep. There's a bit of work in them but they are consistent - they never let us down," he said.

The flock was joined to Monmore-blood Border Leicester rams for an April lambing, with a target 100 per cent lambing percentage.

This season had been running a bit late and the feed was only just staring to "get some punch to it".

They purchase replacement ewes each year from the Riverina, seeking "well grown ewes with frame".

"We had to pay a bit more this year but rightly so. They've had it tough and those guys deserve reward for their efforts to stay in the job," he said.

Mr Comer said the annual draft of first-cross ewe lambs this year numbered 685 and sold in five lines with average weight of 44.5kg liveweight to 32.7kg, and made to a top of $294.

The consignment was weaned mid August, with the aim to get weight into the ewe lambs so they were ready to join.

The ewe lambs were shorn from the last week of September to the first week of October, and the Merinos in early September.

Mr Comer said the shearers did a "ripping job" on the lambs. "They really look after us", he said.

The remainder of the ewe lambs were sold before Christmas either through the yards or on AuctionsPlus.

The wether portion of the drop was shorn and sold at Bendigo or over the hooks.

"We aim for 24 to 27kg and they can go," he said.

The Comers feedlot lambs when necessary.

"We like to keep them on and shear them. The crossbred lamb wool was around 24 microns and the prices have been okay," he said.

The Merino flock microned an average between 19 and 20 microns.

Mr Comer said they tried to get five kilograms a head, skirted.