Stud master passes legacy forward at Bogo Merinos, announces retirement
A well-respected Merino stud master has laid down his raddle and classing notes, stepping back from his role after building on decades of genetic excellence in the state's south.
For nearly three decades, Malcolm 'Mal' Peake has pursued balance in all things at Bogo Merinos, from their first property near Yass through the late 1990s, and to their new stud property, Springfield, at Cootamundra, in the Riverina.
"There have been a lot of changes in that time, meat has become a lot more important," he said.
"Greater emphasis on early growth and carcase traits is a function of the increasing revenue derived from the meat component of the Merino enterprise. Over the same time period, industry-wide, wools have become a lot tidier."
Working with clients across NSW and throughout Victoria, Mr Peake confirmed that while he has stepped back as stud master, he will still be available for a chat on the phone, and at the odd sale or event.
"Assisting clients in improving the profitability of their flocks is one of the most rewarding parts of the job," he said.
"The challenge of breeding a sheep that thrives in different environments and management regimes [is also rewarding.]"
Mr Peake was an early adopter of modern breeding technologies, helping to elevate Merino breeding and industry development. Pivotal in the development and adoption of the Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBV), Mr Peake also helped develop the integration of DNA and genomic usage as selection tools in breeding, to improve data accuracy and rates of genetic gain.
"The latest breeding technologies coupled with age-old selection emphasis on visual traits such as correct structure, wool lustre and handle and doing ability all have to be considered in a modern, profitable, Merino," he said.
"Balance is the key."
Looking to the future of an industry facing challenges from fast fashion, international trade conflicts and increased accountability, change is embedded in the next steps.
"It's always been horses for courses in the industry, we always try and select animals that are suited to the environment they'll be run in. That will continue, but I think there'll greater push towards growth and some of the carcase traits," Mr Peake said.
"But there will always be a place for wool."
Mr Peake said wool remained an important revenue driver in a Merino enterprise, all the more crucial in the present.
"You can shear a sheep five or six times over its lifetime, but you can only hang it up once," he said.
Preparing to hand over the reins to Austin Grace, Bogo Merinos new stud master, Mr Peake said the next generation is set for many opportunities into the future.
"The past few years have been a pretty good time to be in agriculture; it's great to see so many young people in the industry," he said.
"It doesn't matter where you go, function or field day, all industry events, there are lots of terrific young men and women making a career in agriculture, which is fantastic."
Mal Peake will finish up as stud master towards the end of May, with Mr Grace warmly welcomed as Stud Manager, managing the stud's home at Springfield, Cootamundra.
"I'm very happy to have Austin on board, he is passionate about sheep and wool, he has developed into a top-level sheep classer and has a great eye for stock," he said.
"The stud is in good hands."
