AFTER 56 years of breeding Border Leicesters, well-known Morton stud principal John Corbin announced he will be retiring from the industry last week at the Royal Adelaide Show.
The Corbins run a Poll Dorset stud, Border Leicester stud and a crossbred ewe operation on 500 hectares at Lucindale, totalling about 2000 head.
The family have also bred Poll Dorsets for 16 years.
Mr Corbin was also awarded life membership of the Australian Sheep Stud Breeders Association during the interbreed judging at Adelaide.
"I am very proud to receive life membership," he said.
"I have really enjoyed my time here at the show - I have met wonderful people and seen such an improvement in the breeding of sheep."
The announcement follows a stellar showing career with many champions locally and interstate, the highlight being Adelaide supreme all breeds champion with a Border Leicester ram and supreme Poll Dorset exhibit with a ewe.
"I won't miss the show, because I will still be attending, but more on a spectator level," he said.
"We are moving to Adelaide, so I can't wait to spend more time relaxing with my wife, maybe plan a few trips overseas, and see more of my grandchildren."
Mr Corbin said another highlight was achieving a top price of $9000 for a Border Leicester ram at the Horsham, Vic, Border Leicester sale.
At this year's show Mr Corbin was ably assisted by daughter Emily, her husband Scott Davidson and their children Molly, 12, Jack, 11, and Lachlan, 9.
"It is wonderful to see my grandchildren getting involved in showing," Mr Corbin said.
"They have always enjoyed the farm life and it has been really good having them help out."
Alisha Fogden
Cropping editor of Stock Journal.
Cropping editor of Stock Journal.
