Championing Sustainable Livestock Production
Bruce & Jannie Hodgson founded Ardene in 2012, with the aim to produce a high quality lamb that required minimal input, and maximum output. The stud acquired embryos from the Australian White Foundation Flock, along with 12 stud ewes from the AWF dispersal, to form the basis of its stud. From its inception, Ardene has strived hard to use the best genetics available. This has included investing over $2 million AUD in elite sheep and development of gene pools through ET and AI. Embryo transfer programs have been a major component of Ardene's development, with a number of large programs being conducted every year. Maximising genetic gain and building our own gene pool is an important factor at Ardene.
As of 2024, over 1000 elite stud ewes have been flushed, and joined to stud rams from Tattykeel
(SIRE OF TRUMP)
TATTYKEEL
140073
TATTYKEEL
150140
TATTYKEEL
161504
(MAGNUM)
TATTYKEEL
190084
(SON OF
PLATINUM)
TATTYKEEL
221422
These rams have been used collectively alongside our own proven Ardene stud rams
ARDENE
160463
ARDENE
170100
ARDENE
180026
ARDENE
180011
ARDENE
180278
ARDENE
190042
ARDENE
200137
ARDENE
200027
ARDENE
210124
ARDENE
220307
ARDENE
220430
We have sold premium rams to studs across the country, such as Ardene 160463 (sold to Roslynmead West), Ardene 170100 (sold to Gamadale), Ardene 200137 (sold to Lartunga Hollows) and Ardene 200027 (sold to Black Spring), as well as exporting semen internationally, such as Ardene 180026, Ardene 180011 and Ardene 180278 whose semen was exported to New Zealand.
We take immense pride in our meticulous breeding program, dedicated to producing premium Australian White Sheep. Our program focuses on maximising genetic potential and minimising input, ensuring top-quality lambs that meet the demands of both breeders and consumers. Through natural breeding, as well as strategic embryo transfer, artificial insemination, and collaboration with industry-leading genetic resources, we have built a strong, sustainable foundation of sheep that continue to excel. Our breeding program is the heart of Ardene, and we are committed to continuously improving the genetics of our flock for generations to come.
Our Stud
Ardene Australian Whites is more than just a sheep stud — it is a family passion that has been nurtured for over a decade. Located in the heart of Mt Torrens, South Australia, our stud is home to over 1000 Australian White sheep.
Our commitment to producing the highest-quality sheep drives everything we do, and it is this dedication that has earned us the trust of breeders across Australia. At Ardene, we pride ourselves on the integrity of our genetics, the health and welfare of our flock, and our continued growth within the Australian White Sheep industry.
