OUR WOOL
Westvale has been a registered Merino Stud for 75 years. It was started on Mirani Blood graduating to Merryville then onto Merryville daughter studs . Some Sierra Park was added some years ago to fine down the crimp. After so much time we call ourselves Westvale blood.
In recent years the need for larger, heavier cutting sheep, has encouraged us to introduce some outside genetics by way of Artificial Breeding. This has resulted in larger framed sheep while retaining the wool, style and type we desire and the Italians are looking to buy.
AIMS
To produce large bodied sheep with fleece MICRON of 16.5 to 17.0 with yields in the high 70’s. We place great importance on coverage ie bellies and points.
STYLE
Stylish (highly crimped well nourished) bright soft handling wool suitable to Italian Spinners and Weavers is our aim. In past years our wool has been keenly sought after by New England Wool representing Italian clients.
FLEECE AWARDS
- Ultrafine Champion Fleece Australian Wool Sheep Show 2021
- Ultrafine Fleece. Aust Wool & Sheep Show. Bendigo, VIC 2019
- Australian Sheep and Wool Show Bendigo
- Res G, Champ Fleece 2007
- Grand Champion 2004
Many broad ribbons at Northern Shows over the years.
SHEARING
Our shearing is contracted. Great interest and detail is taken by the girls on the table while our own staff and family are part of the overall final result. Classing is carried out by Andrew while Leo overseas the whole operation.
At Westvale we will continue to capitalize on the present market by maintaining our micron and style and endeavouring (at the same time) increasing the cut per head. In the last couple of years we have had the privilege of Andrew Blanch classing our clip. A large proportion has gone into contracts with Reda S.P.A
SHOWING OUR SHEEP
Below are some of our awards and achievements of recent years.
Westvale Achievements 2026
TENTERFIELD 2026
- Tenterfield Show Champion Superfine Ewe
- Grand Champion Ewe
- Supreme Sheep of Show
WALCHA 2026
- Walcha Show Champion Superfine Ewe
- Grand Champion Ewe
- Supreme Sheep of Show
RAM SALE RESULTS
On Property results: 75% clearance, top price $3200
Armidale Sale results: 2 rams $2000 each
NEWS AND EVENTS
Stay in contact with the latest news and events from Westvale Merino.
Newsletter – May 2026
It’s a good job we can’t see into the future. This time last year we were starting to get sick of the rain but it was only just beginning. Now we are praying for a downfall. Its a great thing that farmers are so resilient or we could not remain on the land. It is a struggle at present. Dust everywhere and dams getting very low. We have sold off surplus stock and feeding almost everything else. Cattle are going to be a big worry if we don’t get some run off soon. Ram sales were mediocre this […]
WESTVALE PROPERTY
Westvale is situated on the top of the Great Dividing Range on the southern end of the Northern Tablelands approximately 50kms south of Armidale.
Rainfall is approximately 800ml/p.a and the watershed runs into the Macleay, Namoi and Gwyder systems. Westvale, settled in 1908 by the Blanch family, takes in over 3000 acres of slightly undulating fine granite country.
Winters are cold (snowy and frosty) with generally good moisture. Summers are hot. Generally dry in February, March but mostly a good all round season. Two thirds of Westvale has been supered for over 50 years, the balance annually over the past 20 years.
Approximately 2/3 of the country has been sown to improved pastures of Clovers, Rye, Phalaris, Fescues and Cocksfoot.
Approximately 6000 merino sheep and 150 Charolais cows with their progeny are pastured.
Leo & Judy Blanch: 334 Westvale Road.
CONTACT US
For more information on our wool, our farm and farm processes please use the form below and we will endeavour to respond to you as soon as possible.
Contact Info
Westvale Merinos
Leo and Judy Blanch
334 Westvale Road,
WOLLUN NSW 2354
AUSTRALIA
Email: westvale@bigpond.com
Mobile: 0428 431 065
Phone: 02 67 787 321