Our Story.
Heritage. Innovation. Leadership.
Pooginook • Knowledge • Confidence • Profit •
Pooginook • Knowledge • Confidence • Profit •
We’ve bred through droughts, market shifts, and generations of change, staying true to our clients since day one. Joining Paraway Pastoral Company in 2007, Pooginook evolved from a historic Riverina stud into a top Merino breeding operation. Our story started over a century ago, shaped by tough seasons and bold goals. Today, we span 19,656 hectares within Paraway’s 4.4 million-hectare portfolio, supporting over 250,000 sheep across varied climates. Scale matters, but it’s our grit, adaptability, and producer focus that define us.
- Sydney and Parks Auction Rams, 1951.
Our Foundation.
Pooginook Merino Stud began in 1912, breeding sheep to survive the Riverina’s toughest conditions while delivering quality wool and meat. Led by the Taylor family—Cuthbert, then Raymond and Maurice—the stud earned a reputation for resilience. Their Merinos produced fleece that earned premiums for length and fineness at auction.
By the 1980s, fleece weighing became standard to ensure reliability. “Our focus has always been on performance, not prestige,” they emphasised. By 1989, artificial insemination scaled to 5,500 ewes, prioritising results over tradition. Pooginook rams thrived where others failed—a standard we uphold today.
Our Evolution.
Paraway Pastoral Company’s acquisition of Pooginook in 2007 marked the start of a transformative era.
Supported by scale, investment, and innovation, we embedded full-flock DNA testing, integrated ASBVs across our operations, and drove a new era of precision breeding — shifting selection from instinct to informed, measurable outcomes.
Producers soon saw the results: increased growth rates, higher lambing percentages, consistent fleece value, and stronger do-ability, thanks to our focus on breeding plainer, easier-care sheep. Pooginook genetics today are well on the path toward lowering annual cost of carry, without sacrificing performance.
Our progress is backed by results: a large range of PGK ASBVs now rank within the top 30% of the industry. From the introduction of micron and fleece weighing in the 1970s to full genomic selection today, Pooginook has continually adapted — delivering rams that work harder for your bottom line, season after season.
Our Direction.
“When I stepped in, I wasn’t chasing marketing — I was chasing margin. PGK is about that.” — Andrew Glover
Since 2023, Station Manager Andrew Glover has led Pooginook with a renewed focus: delivering genetics that don’t just look good on paper — they perform where it counts. With decades of Merino breeding experience behind him, Andrew launched PGK Plus to raise the bar on precision, predictability, and profit for our clients.
Under Andrew’s leadership, Pooginook has sharpened its commitment to data-driven selection, resilience without compromise, and a scalable Poll program built for the next generation of producers. Backed by Paraway Pastoral Company’s support, we’re not just breeding rams — we’re building long-term results, one ewe, one lamb, one decision at a time.
At Pooginook, the future isn’t about promises — it’s about proof.
Our Journey Over Time.
1912–1980: Establishing Resilience
The early years taught us one thing: resilience comes before reputation.
Pooginook was built in a landscape that didn’t hand out second chances — droughts were long, markets were sharp, and wool had to carry its weight. From the beginning, we focused on breeding sheep that could handle pressure, hold condition, and keep producing when others couldn’t. It wasn’t about headlines — it was about trust earned in the paddock.
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Yooroogah Stud was established by Cuthbert Taylor and John Culley using ewes from Murgah and Wanganella — laying the foundation for a commercially focused Merino operation.
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Yooroogah was dissolved and Pooginook Merino Stud was officially created by CR Taylor & Sons, beginning the next phase of family-led breeding.
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David Taylor returned to Pooginook as overseer, bringing new energy and technical focus to the stud's management and breeding program.
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Micron testing and artificial insemination were both introduced, launching a data-first approach that continues to define the stud today.
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Pooginook was one of the first to adopt pregnancy scanning, enabling better management of twin- and single-bearing ewes.
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Pooginook hosted its inaugural auction, building direct relationships with commercial producers and increasing market access.
1980–2007:
Pioneering Precision
We didn’t wait for the industry to catch up — we set the pace.
This was a period of bold decisions and firsts. From holding our first auction in Jerilderie to adopting fleece weighing, AI, embryo transfer, micron testing, and sire evaluations, Pooginook wasn’t reacting to trends — we were shaping them. Data didn’t replace instinct; it sharpened it. While others were still relying on gut feel, we were recording weights, scanning ewes, and benchmarking sires. Through droughts and rising market demands, we proved that precision and profitability can go hand in hand.
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After Raymond Taylor's retirement, David formally became Manager, driving performance and innovation over the following decades.
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The introduction of fleece weight recording improved selection accuracy and benchmarking of ram performance.
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A Pooginook ram topped the Dubbo National Ram Sale at $25,000 — a milestone in market recognition of the stud’s quality.
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Body weight was included as a key selection trait to improve dual-purpose performance across meat and wool.
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OFD fibre and skin testing was introduced to meet processor demand for consistent, high-quality wool.
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329 pregnancies from 78 donors marked a new phase of reproductive precision and elite genetic multiplication.
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Pat Brown took on a leadership role that would span decades, supporting the stud’s growth and client relationships.
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Pooginook acquired Wonga Merino, bringing two iconic breeding programs under one strategic direction.
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Holistic Resource Management and rotational grazing were adopted, enhancing pasture health and carrying capacity.
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280 rams were auctioned on-site marked the beginning of Pooginook’s on-property auction model, focused on producer transparency.
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Pooginook joined national sire benchmarking trials to objectively measure ram performance beyond the farm gate.
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Fleece quality and staple strength improved with the transition to more frequent shearing across the stud.
2007–2022:
Laying the Foundations of Scaled Excellence
Vision scaled. Results delivered — genetics that perform anywhere.
When Paraway Pastoral Company acquired Pooginook in 2007, it marked the beginning of a new era — one defined by scale, investment, and a relentless pursuit of measurable genetic progress.
Over the next 15 years, we expanded our footprint with the integration of Stud Park North, intensified our focus on data recording, and applied Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) across the entire flock. Maternal accuracy was sharpened, DNA verification became standard, and by 2017, every nucleus ewe was genomically tested — giving clients unparalleled confidence in the performance data behind their rams.
Commitment to animal welfare and sustainability followed. We transitioned to a no breech modification policy and achieved RWS Certification, reinforcing our role as a responsible breeding leader. Our five-star data quality ratings validated not just our genetics — but the systems behind them. Collaborations, including a strategic partnership with NeXtgen Agri, helped fast-track breeding outcomes and deliver greater commercial results for clients.
We thank the past employees who dedicated many years to PGK for their efforts and commitment during their time with Paraway and PGK.
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Pooginook became the first Merino stud investment for Paraway, enabling scale, infrastructure, and long-term support.
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Expansion to 19,656 hectares positioned Pooginook as a large-scale, nationally relevant Merino breeding operation.
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Fat depth, eye muscle, and other key carcase traits were added to recording — improving accuracy across ASBVs.
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Pooginook began submitting full performance records to Sheep Genetics, formalising its position as a data-driven stud.
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John and Anthea moved to Pooginook and became responsible for daily operations and management of the Pooginook Merino business. The data collection calendar was reviewed again and key improvements were identified to improve ASBV accuracy. In particular the ram pedigree and sire linkage from year-to-year in the Stud and externally.
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Pedigree Matchmaker technology was implemented to improve dam ID and genetic linkage across the stud.
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All sires were genomically tested to confirm pedigrees and support greater selection confidence.
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Over 4,000 ewes were tested to refine the core breeder base, lifting genetic accuracy and structure.
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All stud ewes tested with a 50K panel — delivering five-star pedigree integrity across the nucleus.
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John and Pat jointly took over the classing of mature-age breeders, combining objective ASBV data with visual assessments to guide selection. This hands-on oversight helped refine the ewe base and strengthen consistency across the stud flock.
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David rejoined the team to provide breeding and structural guidance during a new phase of growth.
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All Pooginook animals are bred with no breech modification, supporting animal welfare and meeting market access requirements.
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Pooginook became fully certified under the Responsible Wool Standard, formalising its welfare-first commitments.
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Sheep Genetics awarded Pooginook a score of 91.9/100 — placing the stud among the top 2.8% of data contributors.
(Left to right: Katrina Lieschke – 12 years’ service, Station Hand and Assistant Manager, Shane Foster – 8 years’ service, Station Hand Nancy Morris – 8 years’ service, now Senior Station Hand after a short time away, Pat Brown – 33 years’ service Baylee Stapleton – 5 years’ service, Station Hand and Stud Overseer, John Sutherland – 14 years’ service, Station Manager)2023–2025:
Strengthening the Future
In 2023, a new chapter began under Station Manager Andrew Glover. With it came renewed momentum and a future-focused strategy targeting ambitious 2030 outcomes.
Our commitment to producer success now extends beyond genetics. Education took centre stage with the launch of PGK Progression and PGK Plus — platforms built to empower clients with real-world insights, backed by data. These initiatives reflect our belief that knowledge drives results, and our role is to equip producers with both.
Today, Pooginook stands as a stud built on proof — not promises.
Innovation, leadership, and measurable outcomes aren’t aspirational — they’re foundational.
And the best chapters are still to come.
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After serving as Stud Manager since 2010, John Sutherland stepped into the role of Genetics and Sales Manager. In this position, he focused on strengthening client relationships, overseeing ram sales and marketing, and advancing the stud’s genetic program. His leadership played a key role in integrating genomic technologies to enhance ASBV accuracy and deliver greater predictability for clients.
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Andrew stepped into the lead role, reinforcing Pooginook’s commercial alignment.
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In 2023, Pooginook partnered with neXtgen Agri and leading sheep geneticist Dr. Mark Ferguson to drive accelerated genetic improvement. This collaboration introduced a data-driven breeding focus, laying the foundation for a five-year strategy targeting carcass traits, fertility, and flock resilience.
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Pooginook launched a strategic breeding program targeting measurable genetic improvements by 2030. The plan focuses on balanced gains across carcass, fleece, growth, and resilience traits, underpinning long-term commercial success.
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Following the earlier departure of David Taylor, Pooginook respectfully farewelled John Sutherland and Pat Brown at the beginning of 2024. Their dedication over many years helped build the stud's foundations.
With Andrew Glover now stepping into a senior leadership role, Pooginook moves forward with a renewed focus on innovation, data-driven breeding, and delivering better outcomes for our clients. -
Pooginook’s 2024 PGK Progression delivered another step forward in measurable genetic gains while expanding its focus on client education.
Through detailed insights into carcass, fertility, and resilience traits, the Progression helped producers better understand the value of objective breeding — reinforcing Pooginook’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and long-term flock improvement. -
Pooginook formally launches its refreshed identity as Pooginook Poll Stud, showcasing a complete commitment to poll genetics.
The updated branding flows through all marketing, events, and sale materials — marking the beginning of a bold new chapter. -
The PGK Plus Member Hub launches — a powerful new platform giving clients access to exclusive educational tools, sale previews, genetic resources, and priority opportunities.
PGK Plus sets a new standard for transparency, support, and producer success.
Why It Matters.
We’re not here to tick boxes. We’re here to help producers breed smarter, clear the clutter, and make decisions with confidence — season after season.
The industry’s moving fast. Markets are shifting. Compliance is tightening. And words like traceability, sustainability, and animal welfare aren’t just buzzwords anymore — they’re the new baseline. Producers are being asked to do more with less, and to prove every decision they make.
That’s why we’ve put our breeding direction on the table. Every ram in our program is backed by real data, clear logic, and a focus on outcomes that matter — weaning rates, fleece returns, labour savings, and resilience under pressure.
We don’t believe in overcomplicating things. But we do believe producers deserve transparency — the kind that builds trust and helps you plan ahead, not just react.
From emissions intensity to ewe efficiency, our breeding priorities aren’t just paddock-proven — they’re commercially aligned. Because in an unpredictable industry, consistency is one of the most valuable traits there is.
At Pooginook, it’s never been about following trends. It’s about setting a direction that delivers — for your flock, your business, and your future.
