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Evolve. Innovate. Lead.

Building the Future of Merinos

We breed genetics that meet the future economic, social and environmental demands of the wool and meat industry.

Over 110 years of breeding knowledge, combining the latest in data and technology to deliver productive, profitable and reliable merinos. Our priority is your bottom line.

Why Haddon Rig?

Haddon Rig is a family-owned and operated agricultural business producing merino wool, cotton, grain and cattle in the Macquarie Valley, NSW.

We are proud leaders in the agriculture industry with a strong focus on culture, sustainability, integrity and innovation.

Everything we do at Haddon Rig is focused on improving our clients’ profitability.
This means producing rams with superior fertility that breed early-maturing progeny which cut large amounts of high quality wool over their entire lifetimes and possess superior carcass traits.

Striking the right balance between these traits is our core strength, as we carefully breed well-rounded animals that are able to do it all, without sacrificing structure or wool cut.

HR Farming

Haddon Rig produces mixed grain in the Macquarie valley, including wheat, chickpeas, faba beans, barley, lentils and canola, season-depending. We strive to farm as efficiently and sustainably as possible, including adoption of state-of-the-art technology and machinery where useful and applicable. We have a focus on sustainable production including a strict-rotation program, minimum-tillage and protection of our natural assets, including waterways, trees, native grasses and animal species.

Breeding Philosophy

Over the last 10 years Haddon Rig has seen a marked improvement across the following ASBVs. It is important to note that these improvements were made without sacrificing the wool cut and quality and structural integrity HR is known for.

As evidence of this Haddon Rig sits well above industry average for Post Weaning Weight (PWWT), Adult Clean Fleece Weight (ACFW) and Yearling Clean Fleece Weight (YCFW).

5 Year genetic process

13
%

increase in Sustainable Merino (SM) Index reflecting sheep meat production, growth, lean meat yield and lower wrinkle

20
%

increase in Wool Production (WP) Index reflecting fleece weight, fibre diameter, staple strength and reproduction

20
%

increase in Yearling Eye Muscle Depth (YEMD) resulting in more muscle and lean meat yield

10
%

increase in Post Weaning Weight (PWT) resulting in heavier lambs at earlier ages

30
%

increase in Yearling Fat (YFAT) reflecting fat depth at yearling age

What our buyers had to say

“In our experience, Haddon Rig rams provide superior nourishment and longevity. Our Haddon Rig blood ewes maintain excellent wool quality even at five and six years old. Despite challenging conditions, including 45 inches of rain in 2021, our flock at ‘Torrakina’ has thrived. We focus on frame and wool cut, selecting sires that produce soft, bright, low-micron wool. In 2022, our grown sheep averaged 6.5kg of wool, with mixed age ewes testing at 18.5 microns. Our maiden ewes had an outstanding result, with only 2% dry at preg-scanning.” – Ian and Belinda Duncan, “Torrakina”

Ian & Belinda Duncan, “Torrakina”, Inverell, NSW

“We run a mixed farming operation with a self-replacing Merino flock, Shorthorn cattle, and both dryland and irrigation cropping. For 15 years, Stuart Murdoch has classed our ewes and selected our rams, transforming our flock’s productivity and consistency. Our large-framed ewes are highly fertile, producing soft, white, well-nourished wool, even as they age. We’ve had no body strike issues in untreated sheep, a testament to Stuart’s meticulous classing.

Stuart’s expertise and passion for the Merino industry are unmatched. We’ve learned so much from him and trust his guidance completely. His recent appointments as stud classer at Haddon Rig, Roseville Park, and Dunbogan speak to his exceptional skills. We highly recommend Stuart to anyone seeking top-tier assistance with their sheep operation.”

Chris Francis, “Gobethery”, Forbes, NSW

The Green family at "Olieview", Parkes, are regular winners and place getters in the annual Parkes Ewe Competition and have been buying rams directly from Haddon Rig since the 1950s - and an HR daughter stud prior to that. "They're a very even-fleeced, heavy cutting sheep," Richard Green says.

"What you see is what you get. We get very few cast lines in a well-classed clip... We find that we get really good main lines in a well-managed flock - it's just a pleasure to put the wool through the press. We get good crimp definition, good length, the sheep yield well... they comb well - we find the shearers comment on that - and the sheep are very fertile."

Richard Green, Olieview

“Since we started using Haddon Rig rams, we’ve seen significant improvements in both our wool quality and lamb production. Our lambing rates have averaged 114.16%, and the lambs are strong, robust, and hit the ground running. The wool is bulky, white, and resists dust, which is vital in our conditions. Over the past five years, we’ve averaged 8.16 kg per head at 20.12 microns. The Haddon Rig team is always supportive and genuinely interested in our success.” – Harold Rossiter, “Youngara”

Rossiter Restockers,

Connect with the Haddon Rig Team: Key Events

Discover the latest in livestock breeding, farming practices, and more by meeting the dedicated team behind Haddon Rig. Our team will be present at various open days, shows, and expos throughout the year, offering you a unique opportunity to engage with experts, ask questions, and gain insights into our award-winning practices.