A MASSIVE investment by Delatite Station's Mark Ritchie is testament to his commitment to reinvesting in the wool industry in this country as the property's historic shearing shed makes way for a vastly different and modern steel structure which saw its first run of sheep shorn last Monday, March 20.
I arrived in time for the first "smoko" at 9.30am in the new kitchen facilities inside the shed with the shearing contractor's crew and several well–wishers there to witness the start of a new era.
Mark and his station staff are also there to see history in the making and how this latest setup is operating with 240 sheep already shorn since 7.30 that morning.
The honour of shearing the first sheep in this run was given to one of the older shearers, Dennis Sicily, who has worked at Delatite Station for over 15 years.
Dennis is on hand to share his years of knowledge and wisdom with the younger shearers on the floor.
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"Smoko" over and the shearers are back on the stands with the next sheep firmly set between their legs as the blades fly.
There is a flurry of activity from the rouseabouts as the fleeces are tossed across the tables and brooms swept swiftly to clear the excess.
The nearby pens are full of fine wool merinos oblivious to the significance of this important day.
Bright and airy the 48 metres long by 28 metres wide steel span shearing shed is full of light and clean surfaces with purpose–built windows designed to allow for cross ventilation.
There is no doubt that this building heralds a new era that is about improved wool quality and production.
End of week one in the new shed and Mark reports, "All running smoothly so far, the flow of wool from the board is excellent."
The extra storage for up 1700 unshorn sheep is a major benefit of the new facility especially when the rain arrived in Piries.
"Yes, to have the ability to quickly run a large number of sheep in under cover when a storm is approaching is very handy," Mark agreed.
With the old shed there is now combined storage for up to 4000 head on the property which can also be used for shorn sheep during a cold snap.
Commenting on the transition from the old shed to the new, Mark said the feedback from the crew on the floor had been positive, ""I think pretty well everyone agrees just about every aspect of the shed, lighting , air flow, space, amenities is way better than the old shed so no desire to go back."
Shearing wraps up on Tuesday, March 28 with an expected 6,500 sheep shorn, with an average of 1000 sheep per day, which should equate to 180 to 200 wool bales.
Mark said he was impressed with the current contracted team describing the workers as "a good young team" with a professional approach and well organised.
He added it was good to employ locals with many well–known family surnames among them.
Mark spoke of "agriculture being a significant employer of people and how it was underestimated."
While a lot of the work is part time, contractors travel from job to job throughout the year.
"Work at Delatite Station can support nine to 10 local families," he said.
Mark added, there is the regular demand for other associated work including crutching and pasture improvement.
The building of the new woolshed which began in June 2022 also involved local employees.
"All the building work was done by local builder Terry Jones and his team along with Russell Jones from Mansfield Engineering," said Mark.
Mark's nephew Max Hamilton and maintenance manager Doug Polkinghorne also helped in the design process with the pair spending three months cutting and welding.
"Everything in the new shed is brand new including the shearing plants which have increased shearing capacity from six stands in the old woolshed to eight, and three wool presses," said Mark.
The new building includes male and female toilet and shower facilities and a workers' kitchen/dining area.
The motivation for the new shed was based on best practice design recommended by Australian Wool Innovation Ltd (AWI) which includes efficiency for workers, and the flow of livestock, highest–level of safety for workers, quality wool preparation and to minimise risk to the welfare of livestock.
Mark said, "There are a few of the same designed sheds being built around the country, however most are six stand or less, I haven't heard of any other eight stand versions of this design."
The design is based on a shed built at "Arrow Park" at Dubbo in NSW.
Mark conceded "Time was well and truly up for the old shed." .
"We are committed to wool growing and hope that through providing better shearing facilities and work conditions it will help to attract people back to the shearing industry."
The old woolshed dating back to 1892 and which has been moved to three different locations over the years is only a few metres away from its successor.
It saw its last sheep shorn on February 16, 2023, with the crew marking the end of an era with a photo and a drink.
Mark said each season sees about 19,000 sheep shorn annually which equates to about 540 bales of wool, so the shed has served its purpose well.
He agreed there is a lot of history in these old woolsheds, but said, "Yes, history is great, but it doesn't pay the bills."
While being respectful of Delatite Station's past, Mark is hopeful that they are leaving a new legacy for future generations.
