Australian Superfine Wool Growers' Association Inc.
Australian Superfine Wool Growers' Welcome Our New Members
Inglefell Wool - Mr Gavin Thorn
Gavin Thorn is a recently retired School Principal, who with wife Beverley, has established a small speciality superfine wool operation in the historic WA town of York. Their property, Inglefell, is nestled overlooking the township, in the picturesque Avon Valley, 100 kilometres east of Perth. Gavin’s family have been involved in the sheep and wool industry for five generations and now he has the opportunity to continue the tradition.
Inglefell commenced its focus on superfine wool production in 1983 with the purchase of fine wool ewes from Pine Grove. This consisted of the collection over a lifetime of quality superfine ewes by Charlie Frost. A pure saxon Glenara(Vic) ram was purchased in 1984.
In 1993 , a saxon line was established with the purchase of 25 Saxon ewes and one ram from Avondale Hills(Victoria). The operations were consolidated through an artificial insemination programme introduced in 2003, firstly using Winton(Tas) and then Trefusis(Tas) pure saxon semen.
In 2008,the Ledgerton(NSW) daughter Stud, Maryamma, was purchased. The Saxon Stud ewes and Ledgerton semen were transferred from NSW in time for a an Artificial Insemination programme in January 2009.
Inglefell Wool prides itself in producing low micron wool with excellent elasticity and a well-defined crimp suitable for Italian suit manufacturers.
Inglefell runs a small flock of 200 ewes. With progeny testing over the last 15 years, focusing on a low co-efficient of variation of fibre diameter, wool is produced that has distinct ultra soft handle. The flock is also culled heavily to maintain a micron average that is consistently in the mid 15 range.
The flock is rugged to ensure low vegetable matter wool and focuses on minimal chemical use, producing sheep that are plain bodied and un-mulesed. The sheep also demonstrate a high resistance to worms.
Inglefell, with its focus on pure saxon bloodlines is well placed to make an important impact in the ultra fine wool industry of Australia.
Gavin Thorn with Brontie
We also welcome
|
William Reid - Kooringa Farming |
Carol Westmore - R & C Westmore |
Mr Ted Wilson - Associate |
|
David Padgett |
Catherine Hayne - Halls Creek Pastoral Company |
Noel Henderson - Avington Farm |
|
Trevor Perry - Allambi |
Gavin Low |
Everard Linke - Glenholme |