Leading figures have their say
With every inspection of Advance rams and ewes it is now obviously apparent as to what sets this stud apart from any rival.
Silky, free, soft pliable skins which are capable of producing unparalleled staple length and density providing maximum production. All this in combination with large, plain bodies ensures a carcass that is plain breeched to tackle today’s, often confusing mulesing issues.
The obvious evolution with each year’s sale teams, on top of previous year’s outstanding successes, is recognised by the increasing depth of the top end animals. These new era rams, bred with little waste, makes it now easy to fill up On Property (200 Rams), Classings Classic and Hamilton Ram Sale pens with exciting animals to influence Stud and commercial flocks nationwide.
By reducing the spread of genetic influence over the last few years and now centering on a genuine frame/fibre genotype, it’s hard not to recommend this aggressive-approach stud, eager to produce the ideal animal for an ever demanding, intelligent client.
Bill Walker, Merino Breeding Classer & Consultant, Classings Ltd.
Karen and David Ridgway of Ridgway Advance Poll Merino Stud, founded in 2003, have made a meteoric rise to fame!
The Ridgway Family founded their Collinsville daughter stud, in 1990. The Partnership was restructured in 1997 with David moving to Senior, Bordertown where he has not looked back.
David embraced the Soft Rolling Skin(R) concept pioneered by Dr. Jim Watts since 1987, which reached a peak in his flagship studs of Gowandale, Wallaloo Park, and Charinga.
David has adapted it to produce a large, plain bodied, well balanced, fecund sheep for both meat and elite fine wool.
David and Karen has bred a true Dual-Purpose Poll Merino well adapted to both dry and higher rainfall areas.
These sheep of good conformation, free of wrinkles and do not require mulesing.
by Brian C. Jefferies A.M. / SA sheep consultant
David & Karen Ridgway, Advance Stud had its beginnings on a family property in SA Mallee near Lameroo. John Ridgway & his family always had good Merino Sheep. This interest led to the formation of the Ridgway Stud. The often harsh environment soon sorted out the type of Ram required. I can always remember in the early days the lovely bright, soft quality wool on the Ridgway Rams.
David & Karen split away to form their own Stud named Ridgway Advance based at Bordertown. From formation Ridgway Advance has enjoyed tremendous success, formed a strong clientel & run a spectacular on property auction.
Right from the beginning the passion, ability & background ‘training ‘ of both David & Karen was evident. They grasp the SRS concept of soft supple skins, free growing positive testing wool on a good meaty carcase.
A very strong theme of the Stud is to have structurally sound sheep. David is a strong supporter of the balance & soundness of his sheep, good strong bone & sound feet. Every Stud Ram to be used in the Stud is assessed with the idea of ‘What he can do for the Stud & move the Stud forward”.
The uptake of Ridgway Advance Genetics from a wide range of growers has come about in a fairly short time. More & More Victorian, Broken Hill & local producers are joining in to take advantage of the Plain skin, free growing style of sheep. The current Mulsing debate has created a lot of interest. The trick is not to lose production & I think Ridgway Advance is on the right track.
I have been involved as auctioneer & sole sale agent at Ridgway Advance since its inception & can strongly recommend the Stud to you. If you are looking for a direction, good backup & good people to deal with then Ridgway Advance is your Stud.
Malcolm Scroop, Stud Stock Manager, /Auctioneer, SA Landmark