Panizza's 50th clip a show of loyalty

But that's exactly what Elders and the Panizza family were celebrating last week with the Panizza family's 50th consecutive wool clip sold through Elders.

Robert (Bob) and Jacque Panizza, Old Aprelia Merino and Poll Merino stud, Southern Cross, who farm with son James and wife Sally and their children Holly, Isaac and Jacob, attended the Elders showroom to see the 50th anniversary clip displayed and sold with Elders WA wool manager Danny Burkett.

Bob said the family has received good service from Elders over the years and paid special homage to their stud classer Kevin Broad.

He recalled the hollow time for sheep in the late 1960s and early 70s when the family was giving away older ewes and wethers were making $1.50.

"But we stuck with Elders," he said.

"We have had good backup from Elders with livestock and wool through the good and bad seasons and prices.

"And I hope there is another 50 years of our family with Elders."

The late July-shorn clip was from the family's 6500 stud and commercial Merino sheep (including lambs) with an average flock micron of 20.5 micron.

The Panizzas produce a Collinsville-type sheep with a free growing medium wool and offer Old Aprelia rams for sale privately on-farm.

The clip was classed by Bob and Jacque's daughter Rebecca Thompson, Tasman Shearing, Boyup Brook.

Elders state wool manager Danny Burkett said very few businesses in Australia would have clients that have shown loyalty of 50 consecutive wool clips.

"On behalf of Elders, we extend a big thanks to the Panizza family for their loyalty and business," he said.

"The Old Aprelia clip is classed exceptionally well and each year it's presented spot on to give them the best possible advantage.

"So whatever competition is in the market, the Old Aprelia clip will receive 100 per cent of it.

"Some of the Old Aprelia mature ewe fleeces went into the press at 10kg skirted, a reflection of the Old Aprelia genetics and the season."