TBV Welcomes New Committee Member Ross Ferris

We’re delighted to welcome Ross Ferris, owner of Two Bays Farm in Flinders, to the Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria committee. With years of hands-on experience in breeding and a deep passion for the Victorian industry, Ross brings valuable insight and a strong commitment to supporting local breeders. In this Q&A, he shares his journey, what drives his work at Two Bays Farm, and his hopes for the future of breeding in Victoria.

You run Two Bays Farm in Flinders, Victoria — what have been some learnings from running the farm?

I grew up on a 10,000-acre farm in central Queensland so I have always been passionate about agriculture. Two Bays Farm was purchased in 2012 as a blank canvas and so we’ve implemented agronomist-led programs to continually improve pastures, balance soil for optimal nutrition and stay committed to sustainability. 

We also work with Astute Bloodstock for stock ratings, mare recruitment, sales placement, and getting an external view on how the world sees us. 

How would you describe the philosophy or approach behind Two Bays Farm?

We’re only 12 years old so just getting started, but our farm’s long-term staff share a commitment to greatness, striving for Group 1 success. We have a mindset of overachieving - you have to stay two steps ahead to give every horse the best chance of success in a highly competitive environment! 

We prioritise performance and athleticism when selecting broodmares, we visit leading breeders regularly to adopt best practices and our modern facilities prioritise safety and efficiency for horses and staff. We’re not just ticking boxes - Sophie won the TBV Rising Star Award last year, Abby is a star in the making and Rob is so driven!  

Are there particular areas within the Victorian breeding industry that you’re especially passionate about advocating for or helping to strengthen?

Ultimately, I want to see Victorian breeders become more successful by gaining greater access to more stallions, including more A-grade stallions in Victoria. I want to see the Melbourne Premier Sale sell more champions at higher average prices to build on its already excellent reputation, and fund VIC breeders reinvestment in the state. It is very tough to make ends meet breeding in Victoria and I would like to see breeders make greater surpluses in order to have the capacity to improve breeding operations, sales outcomes and race track performance with their progeny.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the breeding community? What have been some highlights?

I love the game of breeding and seeing a horse progress. Our first foal crop was in 2012 and though fewer than 10 foals per year are currently produced each year, we deliver stakes horses annually. The standout crop was 2016, where we had three stakes horses from seven foals (29%SW) including Kubrick and I Am Eloquent. 

What do you see as some of the biggest opportunities or challenges ahead for Victorian breeders?

Improved financial viability with too many breeding farms coming and going, rather than more financial breeding businesses can produce a saleable legacy to future interested parties. Foal crops are declining because the middle and bottom end of the market are under extreme stress.

Outside of breeding, how do you like to spend your time?

Family and friends time, golf and other business interests keep me as busy as I want to be. I'm a member of a few golf courses and always happy to take other breeders out for a round if they are golfers.