THE Greenland Merino Stud was founded back in 1985, when John Alcock took on “Greenland” in Nimmitabel, the property passed on to him from his father.

John and Jenny still have the property, naming their stud at Bungarby after it, and following the original purchase of some ewes from the Snowy Plains Stud, their own stud began to take shape.

John, born and bred on the Monaro, and Jenny, originally from Goulburn, began showing and selling their merinos in 1986 and went on to register their stud in 1987, with some additional ewes purchased from the Springhead Stud dispersal, and during the same year they decided to purchase a poll stud as well.

Forming four distinctive families with their stock; a Fine/Medium, a Finewool, and a Superfine, and the addition of a Poll family, all of which have been kept separate through to today, the Alcocks have gone on to develop sheep which are well suited to most areas of Australia.

The stud has continued to concentrate on improving the genetics, with the aim of breeding a well-balanced sheep with the correct structure, good bone and large frame, while maintaining fibre diameter and a rich, well-nourished distinctly-crimped wool.

And all the work has paid off, with Greenland Merino Stud going from strength to strength and taking out several prestigious awards.

For four years in a row, Greenland has won the Elders Shield of Excellence for Ultrafine Wool Merino Ewe. At Great Southern they have won Champion August shorn Ewe and Junior Champion August shorn Ewe. They have also won the Roger Birtles Perpetual Trophy for the March shorn Group, as well as Junior Champion March shorn Ram and Reserve Champion March shorn Finewool Ram. John and Jenny have also won the Medallion for Champion Merino Fleece of the RAS District Exhibits, plus the Stonehaven Cup.

Jenny and John have successfully shown their sheep at all the local shows on the circuit, as well as a few in Victoria and Western Australia.

This year they have also won Supreme Exhibit (ewe) and Grand Champion Ram at the Dalgety Show and the Max Smith Pair trophy in Dubbo.

Currently, the Alcock family are preparing for the open day and the ram sales, both events are in October. There are 80 rams to prepare for the sales, to ensure they are presented at their very best, plus preparing and putting out the catalogue, it’s a very busy time right now at the stud, especially as they are currently lambing as well.

The sales are set down for October 23, with the Greenland Merino Open Day taking place from 11am to 4pm on October 13.

For John and Jenny Alcock, the stud has proved to be everything they hoped it would be and with the strong family commitment, the years to come are looking just as bright.

“The future of Greenland will be in good hands,” Jenny said.

“Greg, Nikki, Tom, Ben, Matt, and Luke also love the sheep and the wool industry, and are looking forward to a long career on the land and especially with Greenland Merino Stud.”