This month, we’re featuring Daniel and Fiona Rankin of Glen Iris Polls — a third-generation family enterprise based in Eurongilly, NSW, midway between Junee and Gundagai.
Family Roots and Regional Legacy
Farming runs deep in the Rankin family. As a third-generation operation, Glen Iris Polls has evolved into a mixed farming enterprise, balancing tradition with modern management. Today, the Rankins run a self-replacing dual-purpose Merino flock of around 3,000 ewes, including replacements, with 30–50% joined to terminal sires. Their operation also includes fodder and grazing crops to bridge the winter feed gap — an approach that supports consistency in growth and animal health year-round.
Why Gundagai Lamb?
For Daniel and Fiona, it’s all about proximity, partnership, and performance.
“Being only 40 kilometres from Gundagai makes it easy to deal directly with lamb buyers and processors,” Daniel explains. “We like working with Gundagai Lamb because they provide detailed carcase feedback and offer a great marketing option for well-managed Merino lambs.”
He adds that the brand’s ongoing investment in objectively measured premiums reinforces confidence in the partnership. “We can see that Gundagai Lamb is developing a premium product that’s measured and marketed well — it gives us confidence that our lambs are going into a strong program.”
A Partnership Built on Feedback
The Rankins are firm believers in using feedback to drive improvement. “We’ve improved weaning management to aim for more consistent growth and closer monitoring of animal health,” Daniel says. “We now weigh lambs more regularly and accurately to monitor daily weight gains and make sure they’re hitting grid specifications at the right times.”
They’ve also focused on carcase quality ASBVs when selecting terminal sires — another sign of their commitment to continual improvement and data-led decision-making.
Evolution on the Farm
Reflecting on broader industry changes, Daniel notes a shift towards on-farm efficiency and value-adding. “There’s been a lot more on-farm feedlotting to value-add to our own stock,” he explains. “We’ve also seen better management of ewe flocks to reduce poor performers, and more use of confinement feeding.”
He adds that the uptake of ASBVs across all sheep types and improved land and pasture management practices are transforming the way producers approach long-term sustainability and performance.
The Reward of Quality Production
When asked what they enjoy most about producing Australian lamb, Daniel smiles: “It’s knowing we’re producing a high-quality product that people love — from start to finish, using our own genetics. There’s real satisfaction in knowing our animals are ethically produced and raised with high welfare practices.”
As for his favourite cut? “Doesn’t matter,” he laughs. “It’s all good — as long as it’s cooked the right way.”