Testimonials

MCC tradition continues on KI

THE unique Macgillivray Cricket Club on the Wheaton family's 'Stranraer' property on Kangaroo Island celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, and Quality Wool is pleased to be a continuing supporter of the MCC, together with assisting the wool enterprise on the working farm.

The Wheatons have been farming the property since 1911, with Jason and his wife, Tammy, now operating it with Jason's parents, Graham and Lyn, who also run the Stranraer Homestead Bed and Breakfast.

Mainly livestock are run over the 1620 hectares (4000 acres), with 30-40 per cent of the sheep flock devoted to wool production and the remainder to crossbred lamb production.

The flock comprises about 9000 ewes and lambs, boosted last year with the purchase of some ewes from Wallaloo Park.

Merino ewes are joined to Lone Gum rams for the wool production, while first cross Border Leicester/Merino ewes are joined to Suffolk rams for the lamb production.

Jason said they were targeting higher lambing percentages with the crossbreds.

The clip micron average for the Merino wool has hovered at around 20-microns.

Jason said Bill Walker assists with the classing of their sheep, while Andrew Keach from Quality Wool works closely with them to successfully market their clip.

He said most of the wool was sold through the auction system, generally soon after the sheep were shorn.

The MCC on the property was founded in 1932, with the pitch and oval commencing operation in a paddock in 1934. At times, sheep still graze the area.

The club house has no electricity or modern day comforts, but a new bar was constructed by the club in 2005 to serve patrons and players.

The club has had an A-grade side since 1932 and a junior side since the 1970s. More than 150 players have represented the club over those years, with most of the players drawn from the local farming area where generations are continuing.

The historic Stranraer federation homestead was built in 1920 from limestone gathered on the property.

The traditional Bed and Breakfast has been operating at the homestead since 1996. While four double rooms are available, it generally accommodates about six guests at a time.

For enquiries to the Stranraer Bed and Breakfast, Graham and Lyn can be contacted on (08) 8553 8235.

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