Background: The Yanko
The Yanko and Poll Yanko Merino Studs, managed by the Cameron Family on The Yanko at Jerilderie, have long been recognised for breeding large-framed animals with elite wool quality, strong reproductive attributes, and heavy fleece weights.
Hugh and Heather Cameron founded the original Merino stud in the late 1980s, and Poll Merinos were introduced in 2010. In 2018, the couple’s son Ian Cameron returned home and has since taken over the stud management, continuing a legacy of performance-focused breeding.
From early collaborations in the 1990s with Allan Casey and Advanced Breeding Services to more recent partnerships with Sally Martin from SheepMetriX, The Yanko’s stud program has evolved to produce modern Merinos that can handle a high rainfall environment in NE Victoria and Holbrook, through to the Western Division of NSW and Western QLD.
The problem: Difficult to record full pedigrees
Like many commercial stud operations, The Yanko faced practical challenges in recording full pedigrees of their stud lambs due to the sheer scale of their operation and limited time. They used sire syndicates, which impacted the quality of their data and the genetic progress of their flock.
The solution: Tracking parentage with DNA
In 2018, a new opportunity arose through SheepMetriX. The Yanko participated in a DNA Pilot Project, which opened the door to genetic testing of all stud progeny.
The genomic information this kind of testing unlocks supports precise parentage tracking and genomic selection in livestock breeding programs.
The results: Year-on-year genetic gain
Genomic testing has transformed operations at The Yanko. With the ability to run multiple sires in a mob and still track pedigree through DNA, the team has significantly reduced the labour and logistical burden of lambing.
Importantly, this shift has enabled:
- More strategic and cost-effective supplementary feeding for pregnant ewes
- Improved paddock access for twin-bearing ewes without needing to keep sire mobs separate
- Early and more confident selection of ram lambs for joining
- Reduced number of lambing mobs as they can box together multiple sire groups, depending on their pregnancy status
Each year, their data quality improves, which means they’re making faster, smarter decisions that directly impact the stud’s genetic improvement.
XytoVet: Data-backed breeding programs informed by livestock genomics
As the only Australian-owned and operated DNA service provider integrated with the Sheep Genetics database, XytoVet offers tailored, reliable genomic services built for the unique needs of Australian livestock producers, such as The Yanko Merino and Poll Merino stud.
Through genomic technologies, XytoVet’s ovine genotyping solutions allow breeders to unlock their flocks’ genetic potential, supporting them with local expertise, high-quality results, and a deep understanding of Australia’s sheep industry.
From parentage verification to full genomic profiling and genetic evaluation, we are committed to helping producers like the Camerons make informed breeding decisions that drive productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability.
Are you interested in improving the quality of your flock? Talk to our team today.
