About

Over 100 years in the Merino industry

Haddon Rig is a mixed-farming aggregation located in central west NSW. Founded in 1882 as a Merino stud, Haddon Rig is managed by George Falkiner, his daughter Olivia and their management team. In 2016, the Falkiner family celebrated 100 years of ownership. As one of Australia’s premier Merino studs, core values of family, quality and integrity are at the heart of everything we do.

Haddon Rig’s mission is to breed productive, fertile and high-yielding merino sheep of exceptional quality that perform consistently for our clients. We achieve this through selective breeding from Haddon Rig genetics, utilising industry best practice in nutrition and husbandry and combining the use of ASBV data with professional classing methods to inform selection. 

Haddon Rig produces 5000 stud ewes and 2000 commercial ewes each year. A further 900 horned rams and 150 poll rams are bred each year, with the best of these offered for sale at the on-property auction and sale each September. 

OUR PURPOSE

Our purpose, through scientific breeding techniques, objective measurement and sustainable practices, is to breed genetics that meet the future economic, social and environmental demands of the wool and meat industry.

Genetics

We have the long term future of the merino industry in our sights. Our genetic measurement and subsequent combinations enable us to identify and choose animals with desirable traits including superior fertility, meat production, wool quality and a resilience to exteme Australian weather conditions. The Falkiner family and team’s commitment to genetic progress over the last 100 years has led to greater consistency and accuracy in the progeny they sell.

FUTURE

Our commitment to the future of the merino industry is shown through applying best practice to everything we do at Haddon Rig. We work to minimise the impact on the environment and promote best practices in genetic progress, animal husbandry, land management and human resources. The passion of the Falkiner family and Haddon Rig team reflects the long-term commitment they have to the agricultural industry and the wider community it supports.

EXPERTISE

Our team of industry experts brings extensive knowledge and experience to customer service and the breeding program. We work closely with producers to provide guidance on breeding and management practices that maximise productivity and profitability. Our expertise in breeding and management enables us to provide our clients with the support they need to succeed.

Stud History

When Franc Falkiner purchased Haddon Rig in 1916, the genetic beginnings of a Merino stud had already been established by its first freehold owner, James Richmond. The stock had come from Wanganella, Falkiner's family stud in the Riverina, and also from Rambouillet in France.

It is from this original flock that the Haddon Rig stud evolved - managed and classed selectively and carefully - so that "like begets like", and the distinctive consistency and quality of the genetics have carried on right through to the present day. The stud breeds 1200 large-framed, heavy cutting, soft bright woolled rams with hardy constitutions each year - ideal for wool and meat production and the differing demands of sheep grazing operations throughout Australia. Body size, frame and hardiness are vital to the sheep breeder. This is not only to ensure that the Merino ewe will produce maximum wool cut and lambs but also that the crossbred sheep will mature early and yield well, and will survive in very hostile environments. In 2000, the emphasis changed again to meet the demands of the meat market. Size, fertility and early maturing sheep carcasses became a priority, so the breeding programme followed suit. 

Some stud achievements of note:
• Highest price aggregate at Sydney Ram Sales (pre 1960)
• World Record Peppin Price $180,000.00 (1988)
• First cloned sheep
• First privately owned artificial breeding centre on property
• Most ribbons achieved at Dubbo National Sale
• First video sheep sale in Australia
• First bloodline marketing association (in co-operation with HR client base).