MOST 10-year-old boys want toys or games for their birthday – but this year Will Prentice, Jamar, Emerald, asked for a Dorper ram.
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Will may be from a Santa Gertrudis stud and have had a strong cattle upbringing, but the young man has an even stronger interest in the sheep industry.
He got his first ewes at the end of last year as a gift, and after receiving his ram for his birthday, he now has his first three lambs on the ground.
Will is rarely seen at home, and has a passion for fencing as well – and rearranging the yards for his small flock.
He said when he grows up he plans to have both sheep and cattle.
Despite mum Louise Prentice’s reservations, Will said he definitely hopes to get more ewes, so next year he can have more lambs on the ground.
His ewes came from Springsure from Mrs Perrett and Landmark’s Bryton Virgo, who Will said comes out to help shear and drench.
Mrs Prentice said Will is often out playing with the sheep and leading them around.
“I don’t really know how it got started, but he showed interest in sheep, and Bryton Virgo said he would give him a couple of sheep,” Mrs Prentice said.
“He got a couple of the other ewes from Lauren Perrett for Christmas, we’ve said no more after that, but who knows.”
Will said he enjoyed taking care of the sheep and having his own flock.
“I like cattle, but I wanted something to look after and have for my own,” he said.
“They’re kind of similar to cows, so I could do it.”
As for the lambs – Will has a plan.
“Two will grow up to be rams hopefully and I’ll sell them for some money,” he said.
Kelly Butterworth
Rockhampton-based journalist covering all things ag.
Rockhampton-based journalist covering all things ag.
