History, Achievements and Aims
History
Vortex was started in 1989 on a base of Suffolk and Poll Dorset sheep. Top genetics from other White Suffolk breeders were then import and implemented in the stud to keep the breed going forward at rapid knots. Rams have been bought and bough in partnerships to share the cost of buying the country's top rams to import genetics as well as using AI (Artificial Insemination) to import superior genetics. Suffolk genetics from the USA was used in to early days to increase the size of the breed.
Achievements
Vortex did a lot of showing in the early days and was very successful having the champion ram and supreme (all breeds) champion ram at the Adelaide feature show in 1996 which also included three first placings. Reserve champion at The Royal Melbourne Show, champion ram at the Geelong feature show and champion ram at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo. As well as many more first placings in various classes at other major shows and great success at country shows. Of recent times Vortex hasn't been showing but will resume showing again in 2007.
Aim
We have been recently focusing on the commercial side of things with changing requirements for export trade which has made us focus on producing sheep with more muscle and faster growth rates. We have aimed towards producing sheep with balanced figures (Lambplan) rather than being index driven. This means we are looking at producing sheep that are lean but not too lean with good muscling and growth. While Lambplan has been an influence in our breeding of recent times we still strongly emphasize features such as good wool, narrow shoulders for easy lambing, producing a sheep that is a good Suffolk type, long bodies with plenty of meat in the hindquarters and loin and above all soundness.