They have been breeding Murray Grey and more recently Angus cattle for 32 years. The cattle are well suited to locations that regularly experience periods of difficult nutritional conditions.

"Over the years we have learnt our females succeed in going in calf each year when we select on a medium mature cow size using frame six bulls, good but not excessive milk (rear a sappy calf) and keep a bit of fat on their back," said Jo-anne.

"Our experience is that females who fall away in condition compared to the rest of the herd eventually fail to conceive so better not to breed them. Our calves 200 day weights are 350 to 430 kgs, depending on sex, and very few do not make the grade these days.

"We use fixed time AI for a portion if our herd each year which enables us to utilise the best genetics available. Our philosophy is to maintain a steady rise in positive traits rather than trading a big positive with a big negative."

Last year the stud re-entered the show circuit with success. The Henry Lawson High School Beef Cattle Team, Grenfell won a bronze medal at Sydney 2019 with on of their Angus steers.

The breeding focus at Ridgehaven Poll Dorset Stud is to produce rams with genetics that assist commercial lamb producers to be more efficient and profitable.

The stud, owned and run by the Legge family - Jessie, Ruth, Floyd and Isabele - has a long term breeding program that concentrates on high growth rates and early maturity for on-farm efficiency and marketing options, together with well-defined carcase shape and adequate fat coverage for premium carcase quality and higher yields.

This advertising feature is sponsored by the folowing businesses.

"Animal management advantages are also a priority, with smooth shoulder settings for ease of lambing, correct leg and foot conformation for ram mobility and functionality, and tight downs wool for a higher skin value." said Isabele.

"The Poll Dorset breed is well known for their fast growth and high yielding carcase.

"Dorset-cross lambs are highly sought after by the meat processors and regularly attract a premium price due to the quality and consistency of the product."

The Ridgehaven 2019 Annual Sale will be held on property at Cudal on Thursday September 12. On offer will be 10 specially selected stud rams and 130 flock rams.

In seasons like the current one, producers have to make the most of the opportunities that present themselves, according to Sandy Morrison from Hermes Poll Dorsets.

"With record prices for lambs but uncertain seasonal conditions we have to make informed management decisions," Sandy said.

"This means selecting rams that will grow quickly and give carcasses to suit the processor. We need to leave the guessing game behind and select rams with measured commercial characteristics.

The Hermes Poll Dorset Annual Ram Sale will be conducted on Wednesday September 4 at 2pm.

"The 110 rams in the catalogue exhibit strong physical and genetic traits that make money for our clients," he said. "With quick turn-off times, outstanding carcase qualities and low to moderate birth weights, the catalogue allows clients to select animals to suit varied management systems and target markets.

"These aspects have become the focus of our client base and are the economic drivers that increase profitability."

This year's sale team reflects the success of our breeding program with a large proportion being listed as trait leaders for traditionally- measured characters as well as eating quality characters.