Merino brand FS Falkiner renamed Australian Food and Agriculture Company Pty Ltd
ONE of the most renowned names in the Merino industry — FS Falkiner — is no longer.
ONE of the most renowned names in the Merino industry  FS Falkiner  is no longer.
Wool bales from the famed Boonoke and Wanganella properties near Conargo in the NSW Riverina will no longer carry the FS Falkiner brand following a decision by owners Bell Financial Group to rename its agricultural arm to Australian Food and Agriculture Company Pty Ltd.
According to reports, Bell Financial Group executive chairman Colin Bell said Boonoke and Wanganella would still be referred to as “the Falkiner properties” despite the name change.
But, when The Weekly Times contacted Boonoke this week, the phone was answered with the new name.
The Weekly Times also understands the station property signs carrying the FSF logo will soon be replaced.
The Falkiner name has been associated with the Merino industry since the late 1880s when FS (Franc) Falkiner purchased the properties.
When he died, in 1909, he held about 200,000ha of Riverina grazing country and 250,000 Boonoke-blood sheep.
Mr Bell did not respond The Weekly Times’ request for comment.
The loss of the FS Falkiner name is another sign of the times for Riverina Merino studs with the dispersals of Uardry stud at Hay and One Oak stud at Jerilderie in recent years.