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The Beginning

Summit Park Enterprises has been breeding quality sheep for more than two decades, with a strong focus on genetics, performance and structural integrity.

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Summit Park Texels was established in 2003, with foundation ewes purchased from Longford, Bartex and Aveley Texel Studs — building on a breed that was first introduced to Australia from the UK in 1993.

 

Originally based in the Mortlake area, the family relocated to Hamilton in Victoria’s Western District in 2010. As the breeding program continued to grow, Summit Park expanded in 2015 with the registration of a White Suffolk stud, broadening the range of quality genetics available to both stud and commercial producers.

 

Today, Summit Park continues to combine proven genetics, performance data and practical breeding experience to produce sheep designed to perform in Australian conditions.

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Breeding Objectives

Breeding Objectives

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Recording accurate data is an essential part of allowing us to measure performance based traits of our stock. Performance data is used to select and breed for low birth weight, growth and muscling, and to produce high yielding lambs with high resistance to worms while maintaining structural functionality.

 

These key features are the drivers that result in increased profitability for clients.

 

All lambs are weighed and tagged at birth. The birth status (single, twin or triplet) is also recorded, as well as mothering ability (how far a ewe moves away from the lamb).

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By identifying high performance ewes and using embryo transfer and artificial insemination, then matching these with complementary attributes of the best performance recorded rams, Summit Park has achieved yet another big step forward in quality, structure and genetic gain.

Stock details

  • All animals are recorded on Lambplan to measure breeding performance.

  • Selection based on structure and breeding practicality.

  • All possible measurable traits are recorded for selection and can be bred for or against.

  • Gene technology is used to keep progressing our sheep in a changing market.

  • Sheep are bred to perform in the paddock under paddock conditions with minimal supplementary feeding.

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‘LAMBPLAN provides practical information for terminal, maternal and dual purpose sheep producers on the genetic potential of their animals. Sheep are ranked according to various production characteristics using Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs). ASBVs are available for growth, carcase, wool, reproduction and internal parasite (worm) resistance. ASBVs are directly comparable across flocks within a breed and across breed in the terminal sire group of breeds.’

 

‘LAMBPLAN provides a benchmarking system that allows breeders to track the level of improvement in the genetic make-up of their flock. LAMBPLAN provides flexibility enabling rams breeders to concentrate on the traits considered important to their breeding objective and the requirements of their clients. Commercial buyers can also use LAMBPLAN ASBVs to objectively compare rams and identify those which best suit their production system and market targets.’

 

Information courtesy of Lambplan website

Land Management

Land Management

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Here at Summit Park, sustainable land management practices are used across the property. New initiatives are used where possible and integrated into the farm business. This has included making changes across the property to enable more time and cost efficiencies to be realised.

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Sustainable land management includes the use of both agricultural best management practices, as well as sound environmental resource management initiatives. 

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While production is a key focus for, this wouldn't be possible without caring for the natural resources present on the property.

 

Red Gum trees aged up to ~600 years old exist across the property and provide not just a stunning outlook, but paddock shelter for stock and habitat for birds and other wildlife.​

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Agricultural Practices

Some of the sustainable agricultural practices used at Summit Park include:

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  • Rejuvenation of the soil by undertaking ongoing pasture renovation 

  • Establishment of multi-species perennial pasture mixes

  • Regular testing of the soil

  • Increasing the soil health and fertility by using a range of select and custom blend fertiliser and lime products, all being applied in response to soil tests

  • Establishment of more efficient paddocks according to land classes and soil types

  • Using a laneway system for ease of stock movement and management

  • Using EID tags in all stock, allowing for ease of management

  • Using electronic equipment including an auto-drafter to manipulate stock in the yards

  • Installation of user and stock-friendly sheep yards for ease of management

  • Installation of a large shed over the yards to allow for less stress when handling sheep in any type of weather - rain wind and sun

  • Sub-division of larger paddocks to allow for better pasture and stock management

  • Direct drilling pastures to retain soil cover and minimise soil loss

  • Protect and allow for natural regeneration of the old Red Gums and other native vegetation present on the property.

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