One of the most asked questions I have received across a long period of time is, "if you were farming Ken what enterprises would you have?".
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Every answer must be placed in context and identifying the district where I would be farming is paramount in making this decision.
In basic terms, I would like the farm to be in 450 to 600 millimetre rainfall zone, on slightly undulating country suitable for grazing but that can be cropped.
Across a long career, my interest in prime lamb production have never waned and wool production comes a close second.
It may not be a surprise that I would favour a multi-purpose Merino ewe mated to a White Suffolk ram.
Having visited hundreds of properties and delivered numerous Lifetime Ewe management and Bred Well Fed Well programs, I seen so many different enterprises and production systems. It is not so much the enterprises chosen but how well they are managed.
I have seen outstanding performance in a whole range of differing enterprises.
Since I attended agricultural college in the early 1970s, I have always been a keen on the benefits of hybrid vigour. I almost see this as a free kick/throw.
On the flip side, not breeding your own ewes has its downsides, particularly in controlling the genetic direction and biosecurity issues.
I have long been a proponent of breeding alliances but only a limited number exist on a breeder buyer basis.
I know of many prime lamb producers who buy their ewes from the same breeder through the saleyards every year. Many of these purchases are made regardless of the price because they are very happy with the performance of these ewes.
Knowledge is power when it comes to decision making and the more you know and understand what goes to make up your ewe base, the better.
I would endeavour to set up a breeder alliance with a multi-purpose Merino breeder willing to share the Australian Sheep Breeding Values they focus on so I would be comfortable with the direction his/her flock was headed.
I would also visit the stud from which they source their rams. It would then be necessary to understand the animal health status of the ewes to be purchased, confident certain vaccinations and drenches had been done properly.
My criteria would be to pursue medium body size, high fertility, be non mulesed and have no footrot.
If the breeder is prepared to be open and honest about their sale ewes then they should be entitled to a premium price.
Determining an agreeable price is always a sticking point so some agreed methodology is required - maybe the average price of the top 10 pens plus a premium at an agreed saleyard auction.
Sourcing the White Suffolk rams would require similar diligence, with the emphasis on carcase traits and of course biosecurity.
Having a property with the ability to grow crops is also important.
Growing a crop as part of weed management in a pasture renovation phase has appeal and in doing so, can produce the required supplementary feed for the sheep.
Also, the ability to grow a summer fodder crop would play a role in finishing lambs.
Would I have cattle? Maybe a few steers would be helpful in managing pastures but their purchase would depend on the seasons.
What I would do in relation to the original question posed, it remains hypothetical because I will never go down that road at this stage of my life.
That said it remain a stimulating conversation.
