AginED
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FOR E FUTURIA G R R S! U PR EN E
Volume 73 I September 13th, 2021 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz/agined
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Know your sheep? There are many different breeds of sheep in New Zealand. Traditionally Romney, Perendale and Merino have all been very popular and prolific breeds, why do you think this is? What attributes made them attractive to farmers both historically and currently?
THIS GRAPH SHOWS MONTHLY AUSTRALIAN BEEF EXPORTS TO ALL COUNTRIES.
1. Can you name three breeds of sheep that are considered to be a “wool” breed? 2. Can you name three types of sheep that are considered to be a “meat” breed? 3. What breeds of sheep can shed their own wool? Why is this something that both lifestyle block owners and some farmers maybe keen to have in their flock? Why have they become more popular in the last few years? 4. What breeds of sheep were combined to make a Coopworth? What other breeds have been produced through combining two specific breeds? Can you find three examples and list their attributes? What makes them different/superior to the breeds that they originated from? 5. Do some research. How many rare feral breeds of sheep are there in NZ? Can you name them and describe what makes them unique?
Have a go: 1 What is the most obvious trend for exports in 2020 and 2021 compared to the five-year average? 2 How many thousand tonnes of beef was exported in August 2021? 3 Looking at last year and the five-year average, what months are exports typically at their highest level?
STRETCH YOURSELF: 1 How do exports in August this year compare to August 2020? 2 Low exports compared to the five-year average are being driven by limited volumes of cattle available for slaughter. Why is this? Why are farmers choosing to hold onto cattle despite strong global demand for beef? Hint: Think about the weather in Australia in the last few years. 3 The NI prime steer average is currently $6.25/ kg which is 50c/kg above the five-year average while processors in Queensland are offering the equivalent of NZ$7.20-$7.50/kgCW. What are Australian processors aiming to do by offering such high prices? 4 What do you think the tight supply of Australian beef does for the demand of NZ beef products?
FILL YA BOOTS:
You may have been to the sale yards or seen in-lamb ewes advertised as having been mated to ‘terminal’ rams. A terminal ram is one that provides the genetics to maximise lamb growth, feed efficiency and carcass quality. A ‘dual purpose’ ram is one that can be used to breed both terminal and replacement stock. Have a look at the chart (right) from Beef+Lamb NZ to see the differences in desired characteristics from each type of ram.
DON’T FORGET TO SEND US A PICTURE OF YOUR LOCKDOWN STUDY OR LEARNING SPACE! Send us in a picture of your lockdown work space and be in the draw to win some fantastic prizes! We want to see the different types of places that were incorporated in your learning. Prizes include an awesome 4 piece clothing pack from Stoney Creek and a HuntingHQ cap Toy Lawnmower for our teens and our younger readers you can be in to win some amazing toy prizes from Husqvarna. Send us you pictures Toy Leaf Blower at: agined@globalhq.co.nz
Toy Chainsaw
Toy Chainsaw Kit
Toy Automower®
Toy Trimmer
Are you thinking of rearing a pet calf and/or lamb this year, or already have one? We are looking to put together some tips and tricks to look after your pet and prepare them for your local pet day. What tips would you have for someone who may be rearing a lamb or calf for the first time? Send them to us at agined@globalhq.co.nz