About Yarrabee
The Stud is owned and operated by Helen Darlington and family members including her husband Dan, and parents John and Elizabeth Macqueen. All partners have a role in the business, with Helen being specifically involved in the management and marketing of the sheep.
Helen has a lifetime of interest in animals, and a background of qualifications and experience in livestock production and management, and Boer goat judging. She is equally qualified and experienced to provide tertiary level education in animal and agricultural production.
The sheep are farmed in conjunction with the goats over an area of 500 acres. The land ranges from hilly to undulating, with a cover of native grass and some improved pasture species. The flatter areas are utilised for the growing of forage oats crops in winter and spring, to supplement the lactating ewes and does.
The Yarrabee flock consists of approximately 50 registered Dorper ewes, plus their progeny. The fullblood Dorper sheep are managed alongside a small flock of crossbred ewes which raise prime lambs sired by Dorper rams.
The extended dry periods of recent times have tested the hardiness of the Dorpers. The sheep have performed to expectations and thrive while grazing low-quality pastures, supplemented with loose licks.
