www.age.co.nz Thursday, September 8, 2022 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT 25 2022
PHOTO: Motu-nui Rams
59 YEARS OF BREEDING Quality is #1, fully SIL recorded GROWTH - DO ABILITY - FERTILITYSURVIVABILITY - SOUNDNESS 26 years using only Wairarapa Group Bloodlines ENQUIRIES ALWAYS WELCOME Keith Higgins 06 372 2782 Wainuioru
Arahura Sheep Genetics breeding programme focus on:
Building on the FE Gold and WormFEC Gold quality standards with no compromise on production traits.
For more information contact Paul Crick phone 027 450 4085 or email arahuragenetics@gmail.com
This has enabled quicker genetic
For more information contact Malcolm phone 027 252 7151 or email thewyeths@manastud.co.nz
2022 sale rams average SIL Dual Purpose Facial Eczema Index (DPX) is in the top 5% percentile across all ° ocks in NZ.
progress and allows Mana Romney Stud to benchmark itself. Breeding objectives include fertility targeting ewes with the ability to have two lambs weaning at 35-40kg each, survivability, and good milking and mothering ability.
She is also working alongside Paul on their lease farm as Breeding Program Manager.
Paul has an extensive 30-year background in agriculture and education both in New Zealand and overseas including Director of Farms for Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, and he is chairman of the Beef + Lamb New Zealand National Farmer Council.
Paul Crick and Dayanne Almeida are familiar faces in farming in Wairarapa in a variety of roles. The couple purchased Ross and Gilly Alexander’s Makino ock in March last year and joined the Advanced Romney Designer Genetics group of farms throughout New Zealand which Makino belonged to.
2022 HANSON/COUNTRY˜WIDEBRADPHOTO:
Selecting heavily on soundness and structure.
Hampshires are known for early maturing, high yielding prime o˛ mum being the most e˝ cient and productive method to produce a quality product.
26 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT Thursday, September 8, 2022 Wairarapa Times-Age www.age.co.nz Thursday, September 8, 2022 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT 27
place great emphasis on a sound 2th Ram ÿ t for purpose, with excellent constitution and longevity as my ewes display.
After the pioneer work done on selection for facial eczema, the stud ° ock has been also WormFEC tested since 2003. Eighty per cent of sale rams available in 2022 are WormFEC Gold.
Scanned for skin thickness, EMA, SIL & NZSBA Early maturing High Yielding carcass 2th Rams available from December 2022 Welcome enquiries Call Kay McKenzie, Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 2899 or 021178 6400 Email: gleng yle@inspire.net.nz 42300-01 2022 RAM SALE Tuesday 15 November - 1:30pm (On Farm 127 Admiral Road Gladstone, Masterton inspection invited from 12 noon) 50 Stud and Top Commercial Romney Rams to be sold at Auction. Romney and Romdale Rams available also by private sale. Rams selected on structural soundness and high performance data SIL Maternal worth indexes from 2500 to 3300 All enquiries: Please contact Malcolm Wyeth 027 252 7151 Tom Suttor/PGG Wrightson 027 446 9967 Simon Smith/PGG Wrightson 027 444 0733 FLOCK NO 3435 OB ACCREDITED GLENHAZARD HOLDINGS LTD ‘Wiri’ Southdown Rams produce lambs designed to thrive and mature early. Bene t from the premiums paid for this quality meat breed. P: 06 3727814 M: 027 486 5252 GLADSTONE,glenhazard@xtra.co.nzRD4,MASTERTON AVAILABLERAMSNOWTalk to Paul Crick and Dayanne Almeida 027 450 4085 | arahuragenetics@gmail.com • Member of the ARDG Romney FE Genetics Group • Flock FE tested since 1982. Testing at 0.69 from 2022 • Flock WormFEC tested since 2003 • 80% of sale rams available in 2022 are WormFEC Gold • No compromise on structure and production traits • Run under commercial hill country conditions in the Wairarapa • Full flock DNA tested for accurate breeding values
Sheep Technical Lead helping commercial and stud farmers achieve their breeding goals.
To book this season’s rams or come and view, contact Kay phone 021 178 6400 or email glengyle@inspire.net.nz
Paul and Dayanne are leasing Glenside, an 850ha sheep, beef and deer farm at Gladstone, wintering 8000 stock units. Glenside is traditionally summer dry and winter wet.
The ock is now averaging 5mm for skin thickness compared with 4.5mm when the stud started collecting data on this trait.
WAIRARAPA
The stud ° ock has been facial eczema tested since 1982, holding the FE Gold status for the past 10 years.
Paul has been involved in various agricultural and social research projects in conjunction with Massey University, AbacusBio, Alliance Group, Beef + Lamb Genetics, and TheyAgResearch.areoperating the Beef + Lamb Genetics Hill Country Central Progeny Test ° ock on OriginallyGlenside.from Brazil, Dayanne has been
extensively involved in ram breeding, having worked previously for Wairere Rams as Research and Development Manager while completing her master’s degree in sheep genetics and breeding through Massey DayanneUniversity.isZoetisGenetics
Continue full ° ock genomics by Shepherd Select™ testing all lambs born and Shepherd Connect™ testing all sires used for accurate pedigree information and genomically enhanced breeding values.
On November 15 Mana Romney Stud will o˛ er its top 50 Romney rams to the market at its annual on farm sale on Tuesday 15 November.
Early growth, moderate ewe size and high carcass yield. All hoggets are eye-muscle scanned.
The ° ock FE dosing is 0.52mg/kg for facial eczema tolerance and Malcolm is aiming to keep building on this. Malcolm is a fourth generation Romney breeder and has had a stud ° ock since he was 15. He worked in
Founded in 2020 from Ewe hoggets from La-Mac Stud near Christchurch and purchasing from Turiwai an existing stud previously from Gisborne, my aim is to produce a modern Hampshire for commercial farmers.
The rest of Mana Romney Stud’s rams are sold privately each year and include Romdale, Su˛ olk and Suftex. Rams are selected on SIL performance data rating between 2000-3500 on the index and structural attributes. The ° ock is scanning at 180-200% with the genetics well-linked to other breeders.
The stud only retains rams in the top 10 per cent for skin thickness and Malcolm says he has noticed the survivability rate of his own ° ock improve by placing a focus on skin thickness. In regards to wool, Mana Romney Stud aims for good white ° eeces.
Lamb survival is also a key area am working on as last year I scanned for skin thickness as well as eye muscle to identify the traits am looking for and have on o˛ er to the farmer. The Hampshire is of the down bred and is an extremely popular choice of ram in Australia and Ireland.
Carcass conformation is important, aiming for rams with solid hindquarters and thick loins. All ram hoggets are eye-muscle scanned. Intramuscular fat is also recorded, including scanning for skin thickness.
The line-up demonstrates the best of the genetic gain the Wairarapa stud has to o˛ er, says stud owners Malcolm and Selina Wyeth. Mana Romney Stud is continuing to focus on two key traits as drivers for its genetics - FE tolerance and skin thickness. Malcolm says the stud has been making real gains in these areas, alongside targeting a fast growing animal that is structurally sound on its feet with good fertility.
same time as intramuscular fat and eye muscle scanning.
Mana Romney Stud
From left: Hunter, Tessa, Selina and Malcom Wyeth.
Morven Hills Hampshires
Only a few breeders scan for skin thickness but Malcolm believes scanning at 5mm or better improves survivability. Skin thickness measurements are taken at the
“FE tolerance has become increasingly important as this disease has moved south over recent years as was predicted. It can have a real negative impact on scanning, lamb mortality and death rates so it’s important we continue to make gains in this area.”
the South Island before returning to the family farm, and now has over 30 years in the industry. The couple purchased Mana Romney Stud from well-known New Zealand breeder Craig Gibson in 2000, and since then the stud has gone from strength to strength, adding Hillcroft Romneys four years ago.
Arahura Sheep Genetics will have rams for private sale at Glenside from early November and welcome all enquiries.
Stud ewes are incorporated into the farm system, no special treatment, progeny DNA pedigree recorded, unassisted lambing.
‘Champion Ewe and her lambs at the CHB A&P Show, a 6-year-old with ram twins.
This season’s rams will be tested at 0.69.
Arahura facial eczema tolerant and worm resistant sheep genetics
Located on Dannevirke Mangahei/Te Uri climate, they are put under commercial conditions to produce a true hill country bred sire. The meat is delicate and sweet.
The couple have three farm units around Masterton - at their home farm at Gladstone, as well as Wainuioru and Mikimiki. The home farm is where the stud breeding ewe ° ock resides and the ram hoggets due to be sold. The farms run 5500 stock units in total, mainly Romneys with a small number of stud Su˛ olk, Suftex and Romdale and 150 Friesian bulls.
David and Bill Hume in the yard at Gleniti
Bill and nine other likeminded Wairarapa breeders formed the Wairarapa Romney Improvement Group in 1969.
Gleniti Romneys - balanced traits for the best returns
Te Whāngai will be selling between 600 and 700 Romney rams.
With this year being such a wet winter, it is challenging man, beast and the land we farm.
David phoneHume06307 7895 or 027 689 8934 email sonya-david@xtra.co.nz
Te Whangai
Attention to detail and strict culling regimes are paramount to selecting replacement ewe lambs and two tooth Rams for private sale in November.
For more information Contact:
Hamish de Lautour 027 447 hamish@tewhangai.co.nz2815 HAPPY WITH YOUR SHEEP PERFORMANCE? IF THAT APPEALS TO YOU, GIVE US A CALL If not, ask yourself this...how does evolution work? Over 50 years of intensive selection under extremely challenging feed and parasite conditions have developed tough and fertile Tesheep.Whangai Hill Country Romneys aim is to ruthlessly breed for high production with low maintenance. James Brennan 027 635 manager@tewhangai.co.nz4567
“The ranking of our rams by Zoetis’ “Sheep5K” is very similar to SIL’s ranking. We are hopeful that the DNA analysis, while continuing to hold the bene ts of our traditional selection, will make it possible to incorporate other bene ts such as longevity, muscularity, tenderness, meat distribution and FE Gleniti’stolerance.”highstocking rate puts enough pressure on its sheep to identify those that don’t thrive, David says.
Inspection is welcome any time by appointment with Hamish de Lautour phone 027 447 2815 email hamish@tewhangai.co.nz
Since then the Group has been instrumental in improving the production of the breed.
After 50 years of recording, there is high accuracy in the breeding values that have been generated by SIL, says David.
Breeding quality Romney rams is a passion for the Wingate family. John Wingate has been doing so for 52 years, a testament to his dedication to sheep farming and the caretaking of an intergenerational family farm. John now farms in partnership with his daughter Stephanie.
“These breeding values are the basis of the index that we have used for our selection that has identi ed the sheep with a balance of productive traits that gives the best return to those using our rams.”
TRAITS IN FOCUS
It is clear that a di erent type of sheep has developed with selection for growth traits while feed is always at a premium than those developed where feed is plentiful.
Recording was initially with National Flock Recording, then with Sheeplan, and now with Sheep Improvement Ltd.
It is rolling to steep hill country with a cold, wet and windy climate, running 2400 ewes of which 900 are fully SIL recorded.
reduction from livestock is pure politics, based on false science and should be rejected completely.
By the early 1990s the average “number of lambs born” to the recorded ewes was over 190% as only twinning two tooths were Fertility,retained.survival and milking ability were strongly entrenched in the ock.
From 1970, the immediate focus was to lift fertility and develop an easy care animal. This was the same for most modern breeding groups.
GLENDONALD SOUTH SUFFOLKS RAM AUCTION Easy lambing, selected for body shape & conformation Rapid growth from day one, we focus on weaning weights and growth rate Tagged at birth for accuracy of growth rate measurement Suited to summer dry climates Evenly marked, attractive store lamb lines Premium for female progeny at weaning vs maternal breed ewe lambs Soundness; strict culling for feet issues & structural soundness THURSDAY NOVEMBER24AT 3PM VIEWING FROM 1PM 813 Lake Ferry Rd, Dyerville, Martinborough Alan Evans P 027 446 9022 E farm@glendonald.co.nz Andrew Jennings 0275 946 820 Tom Suttor - 0274 469 967Martinborough John, Carol & Stephanie Wingate 06 375 0602 1930 Castle Hill Rd, jandcwingate@xtra.co.nzEketahuna Meldrum has been producing hardy, productive hill country Romneys for 52 years with 900 SIL recorded ewes Robust performance selection ensures only the best 2th rams are available for sale Growth rate; fertility; wool; parasite resilience; survivability; easy lambing MELDRUM ROMNEYS SOUTHDOWNS THE TERMINAL SIRE OF CHOICE Enquiriesanytimewelcome ROB AND LUCY THORNEYCROFT: 027 203 5921 06 372 5701 415 BLUFF RANGITUMAU ROAD, MASTERTON LODGE SOUTHDOWN STUD ARE PROUD TO PRODUCE OUTSTANDING RAMS FOR GROWTH & QUALITY Gleniti Romneys are robust easy care sheep that have high fertility and high growth rate with good style medium wool. FERTILITY - SURVIVAL - GROWTH RATE Bill Hume 06 307 7847 or 027 407 7557 w-hume@xtra.co.nz David Hume 06 307 7895 or 027 689 8934 sonya-david@xtra.co.nz BALANCED TRAITS FOR THE BEST RETURNS
Contact John or Steph Wingate on phone 06 375 0602 or email jandcwingate@xtra.co.nz
28 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT Thursday, September 8, 2022 Wairarapa Times-Age www.age.co.nz Thursday, September 8, 2022 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT 29
David learned his skills from his father Bill who continues to play a minor role in the farm. Most of what Bill knows about sheep he learned from legendary romney breeder and near neighbour Holmes Holmes,Warren.
on a programme to incorporate FE tolerance into our genetic o ering while still retaining the key attributes of the Te Whāngai ock.
To make genetic progress, selection must take place in an environment which puts pressure on the traits you want to improve.
In recent years this balance of fertility, survival, growth rate and wool weight has brought the Gleniti Flock close to optimum levels, David says.
Martinborough
The breeding philosophy at Te Whāngai is very clear. We believe that for commercial farmers to run an ever increasingly more e cient and pro table business they must focus on continuously getting more for less, ie more production from less input.
Gira e would never have evolved with long necks if there wasn’t a shortage of low hanging food!
Gleniti has 1700 stud ewes docking between 150-165 per cent on the South Wairarapa property. It sells about 300 rams a year.
They have made good use of each of the recording schemes that have been available during that time and have had advice from the best animal geneticists including Professors Al Rae and Dorian
Meldrum Romneys
Our selection programme works on that principal.
Meldrum is 537ha (460 e ective) located on Castle Hill Road, Alfredton.
PHOTO: Te Whāngai
Consistent with our philosophy, this
The Meldrum Romney ock has evolved over the years to be an easy-care, medium-framed ewe with excellent mothering ability, growth rates, structural soundness and longevity.
The 1990s saw the beginning of a new and big e ort to select sheep that would continue to grow while under a summer/ autumn internal parasite challenge.
The Hume family roots in the Pirinoa district go back to the 1850s when David Hume’s great-great-grandfather bought the land of which Gleniti is now a part.
We will be investing heavily in R&D looking at traits that will help lower your sheep losses and costs of production.
selection must take place in a known parasite challenging environment.
2022
Wool weight still plays an important part in our sire selection and all ram hoggets are side sampled, enabling you to lower your micron count and target higher value per kg.
Garrick, and Dr Mark Young.
Bill phoneHume06 307 7847 or 027 407 7557 email w-hume@xtra.co.nz
Wereplacements.areembarking
Enquires always welcome.
A comprehensive programme developed by AgResearch has been in place for 30 years and involves regular weighings of undrenched hoggets through the autumn.
We view this approach far superior to selecting for low methane, which we will not be Methanedoing.
It is a reminder that robust, resilient and productive genetics are the cornerstone of any successful breeding operation.
In uncertain times, Gleniti Romneys o er the certainty of robust easy-care sheep with high fertility, high growth rates, high survival rates, and good style medium wool.
From 2022 all ewes and lambs will be DNA
pro led as we move into the new frontier of genetic gain.
“Mothering ability is very important. Any ewe that doesn’t stand with her lambs as we tag them is culled. This has resulted in quieter temperament, another aid to easy nishing and tenderness.”
Longevity has always been a focus. Recorded ewes are not culled for age, rather just production, allowing for heavier culling of
OUR GENETIC PATHWAY WITH ZOETIS
continuallyGeneticsGrassendaleandGeorgebusinesses.developingandworkingwithlike-mindedLuceatarelooking
to evolve their genetics, are at the forefront of the industry, and are a great ÿ t for our business.
us to gain excellent performance from our ewe ° ock: 190% scanning mixed age, 183% Two Tooths.
Grassendale Genetics is located on the east coast of the Wairarapa in Tinui. It’s a 1580ha summer dry hill country farm with a high wind
We have also challenged ourselves by closing down our annual store sale, which ran for 42 years, and now our focus has been achieving the Fat Lamb price not Store Lamb Price. Our ÿ rst weaning last year resulted in 25% of our lambs being sent to the works straight away, a great bench mark for future growth.
OUTSTANDINGDELIVERING RESULTS
Richard and Abi Fairbrother-Awatoitoi
All rams and ewes are tipped over to check feet, with zero tolerance to any feet faults.
Steve and Steph Hastie - Mt Wendon Station
Take advantage of expert Wairarapa farming knowledge and hardy stock ready for the conditions. Contact Grassendale Genetics today.
Lambs are tagged and DNA
We havetheyprocessesTheallanotherRamRomneytakenGeneticsGrassendalebelievehastheStudtoleveltogether.selectionuse,allowed
The rams we get to select, we believe are second to none. The biggest in° uence that we can contribute to our farm is through genetics. Grassendale Rams have proven to deliver outstanding results, future prooÿ ng us for the next generation.
DNA technology enables us to multi-sire mate.
Mob pressure, survival of the ÿ ttest.
Breeding high performing low-input sheep under commercial harsh farming conditions has been the main drive of Grassendale Genetics strategy.
George and Luces innovative and intense passion in there farming business has been a key factor in there successful win of the 2019 Keinzley Agvet Wairarapa Sheep and Beef Farm business of the year. Judges said “Their tenacity and desire to achieve their own goals was what set them apart.”
“We are aiming to breed an e˜ cient high producing genetic package which thrives in our harsh environment, and makes sheep farming easier for our clients” said George.
GRASSENDALE GENETICS
Hogget mating.
To accelerate the rate of genetic gain in our ° ock we have partnered up with Zoetis Genetics and our stud ° ock is now on the path to be fully DNA veriÿ ed.
COOPWORTHS. Proven fertility and mothering ability.
Mt Wendon Station consists of 1920 hectares of Southland tussock hill country. With only 400 ha grass, 1000 ha native tussock and 500 ha of native beach, running approximately 5000 mixed aged romney sheep, 1400 hoggets and 225 angus/hereford cows. We are the third and fourth generation on the family farm.
TESTIMONIALS
Severe culling regime on structural soundness, constitution and SIL data.
SIL data and performance recording (eye muscle scanning and pelt thickness scanning)
sampled at docking to accurately identify parents. Having DNA parent veriÿ cation along with objectively measured production traits ensures higher accuracy of breeding values. We have been using Zoetis Shepherd Complete®, a comprehensive DNA package that includes DNA parent veriÿ cation on all lambs born and genomics on young Genomicsrams. uses DNA technology to predict an animals’ future performance with accuracy as high as if he already had up to hundreds of progeny measured on the Theground.accuracy added by genomics provides more conÿ dence that ÿ gures and performance are matching to assure maximum return for our clients. SIL Dual Purpose Body Condition Score -200-14010016022028034040040-20-80 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 YEAR CENTS-DPBC RAM THURSDAYAUCTION27OCT2022|2:30PM (VIEWING FROM 1PM) AT MASTERTON A&P SHOWGROUNDS FACILITATED BY PGG WRIGHTSON AVAILABLERAMS 80 Beltex/Suftex Will be sold in pairs by Auction For more information contact: George Williams, 063726671, 0277267467 Andrew Jennings (ELVIS), 0275946820 Guy Williams 0212409821 We will be donating the fi rst two lots to The CatWalk Trust JOIN US FOR A BBQ FOLLOWING THE AUCTION BUSINESSTOREALADDINGVALUEOUR For the last six years we have been using Grassendale Genetics and have been impressed with the results. Grassendale Genetics have added real value to our business, through our consistently high scanning and survival rates. We pride ourselves on being the ÿ fth generation to farm our property and are aware that in order for the farm to be in a good position for the future we need to be continually
ADVERTORIAL
SUFTEX Meat yield and growth are two of the key selling points for progeny. Sires are selected to produce a presentable black face lamb. As well as soundness, there is a focus on the darkness of the colour.
Therun.stud
Steve, Steph, Tash, Julz and Micky Hastie of Mt Wendon Station, Southland.
SIL Dual Purpose Reproduction -250-200-150-100100150200350300500-50 YEAR CENTS-DPR 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 SIL Dual Purpose Meat Yield YEAR CENTS 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 -230-210-190-170-150-130-110-90-70-50-30-101030 catwalk.org.nz
At Grassendale, the cornerstone principles to successful hill country farming are:
All ewes run on the class VI & Vii hill country.
Richard, Abi, Luke, Josh and Sasha,
Grassendale Genetics is a born and bred Wairarapa success story developed with world-leading knowledge and technology to produce ‘2morrow’s performance 2day’.
ROMWORTHS are built for hill country. They were added to the Grassendale sire o˝ ering in 2009 as the ideal all˙rounder for hill country environments. Increased lambing performance, hardiness, and superior mothering ability are the key selling points. Romworths are proven for producing heavy early lambs.
30 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT Thursday, September 8, 2022 Wairarapa Times-Age www.age.co.nz Thursday, September 8, 2022 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT 31
ROMNEY is Grassendale’s mainstay breed. They are recognisable by their shape, a good balance between genotype and phenotype and good feetresults of the team’s attention to detail and rigorous selection pressure.
Their philosophy is to breed hardy, resilient, hill country sheep focusing on production, e˜ ciency and structural soundness. Rams that thrive in the tough Wairarapa environment.
is run with the commercial ° ock so the environmental and mob pressures ensures only the toughest survive.
Ian Walsh is Managing Director of the Falkirk Scientific Foundation and the key developer and promoter of the Falkirk Index
• It is simple to assess each animal’s index value and then rate stock from the highest to the lowest.
Feed conversion efficiency is the prime economic driver to determine the optimal animal.
The Falkirk Index System is the exact description of the physiology of a particular animal as defined by measured data, bone-fat-meat ratio relative to mass (liveweight). This accounts for 50% of the assessment to define the optimal animal.
The ÿ rst embryos were brought into New Zealand in 2017 by Blair, animal geneticist Dr Jock Allison and farm advisor John Tavendale with Hamish later joining the partnership.The farm runs a Perendale ock as well as pure Beltex, with Beltex-Su˛ olk, Beltex-Texel and Beltex-Cheviot ° ocks.
Brian Hennessy, a precision instrument manufacturer, taught Ian many aspects of measurement including VIA, Magnetic Resonance, Ultrasound and Fibre Optic IanSystems.hasundertaken almost 100 trips overseas as part of his research to better understand the implications of geopolitics, genetic development and the selection and the marketing of branded high quality product that ensures a positive profit line for producers.
• It assists in efficient production and achieving optimal returns at the “Farm Gate”.
• Higher yielding carcasses
How the Falkirk Index System works
• Clarity that facts rather than perception determine what is optimal and profitable
Meat yield making Beltex an attractive proposition
How the Falkirk Index can help farmers
In fact this type of animal consumes 24% less feed than the inefficient animal that is proven to be of low productivity and high gas emissions.
A series of lamb cutting trials conducted over time, along with analysis trials, ratified the Falkirk Index animal assessment system as being correct to the point that structural correctness and trait balanced physiology provides:
• Bone-fat-meat ratio that is predictable
• Superior meat quality
• Superior pelts inclusive of wool on pelts
Proven results
• Form and capacity in the shoulder/chest region to accommodate superior organs that influence better metabolic function and higher meat yield
• It assists in marketing of stock to fellow breeders, meat buyers and feed-lots.
2022
• Validation that the GR grading system is flawed as a reliable payment method
Farmers have more control over their product, and that is an important aspect of being successful in business.
Blair Gallagher and his son Hamish run New Zealand’s ÿ rst Beltex stud Rangiatea near Mount Somers in Mid Canterbury. Blair says he couldn’t believe the amount of meat and muscling on the sheep when he ÿ rst saw them at ag shows in the UK.
Wairarapa farmers are welcome to come down and see the animals in person or arrange for an agent to see them, Blair says.
The Gallaghers annually hold a Beltex ram lamb sale in March and a two tooth sale in November each year. This year’s upcoming
• Superior by-products and runners
- WORK WITH NATURE AND BLEND WITH SCIENCE
Alternatively, photos, videos and an auction sale index for each sheep will be available online.
The system uses ultrasound scanning technology to scan the livestock carcasses, gather data and produce an accurate index value.
• Evidence that Falkirk certified lambs are superior by specification
Then the Falkirk hand/eye methodology is applied to observe the skeletal/structural correctness that indicates and subscribes to functionality and Thislongevity.combination of main trait abilities is input into an epi-genetic selection process.
The stud has been selling pure bred Beltex to studs throughout the North Island, and crosses to studs and some commercial farms. There have already been a signiÿ cant number of sales to Wairarapa, Blair says.
FALKIRK - QUALITY ANIMAL GENETICS
32 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT Thursday, September 8, 2022 Wairarapa Times-Age www.age.co.nz Thursday, September 8, 2022 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT 33
“The Beltex terminal sire improves carcass conÿ rmation, meat yield and adds value to individual animals.”
• A lack of traditional tail end lambs
HeSystem.hasbeen
Today Ian is assisted by fully trained technicians and has clients in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
“The motivation is to optimise the genetic ability of animals, then to advance to high quality branded product.”
WAIRARAPA
This holistic approach to animal selection is now applied to many commercial flocks and herds to breed animals to exact market specifications in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
ABOVE LEFT: Rangiatea Hogget Lambs at tailing (3-4 weeks old) sired by Cheviot/Beltex Rams. 42% prime away at weaning. ABOVE RIGHT: Su˜ olk/Beltex Two Tooth rams available for sale in November. Recent trials of lambs sired by Su˜ olk/Beltex and Texel/Beltex sires have yielded an average of 54.9% (Liveweight to deadweight - 12 hours o˜ feed).
An increasing number of Wairarapa farmers are adding the Beltex breed to their stud and commercial farms. The main attributes of the breed are its muscularity, superior carcass conformation and meat yield.
120 animals for sale at auction including pures and crossbreds, with the option of bidding online through PGG Wrightson’s platform BIDr.
What is the Falkirk Index System?
FALKIRK QUALITY ANIMAL GENETICSREVOLUTIONISING THE MEAT INDUSTRY Do you want to add value to your farming operation? The Falkirk Index System will help you find new levels of performance and profitability. Contact Ian Walsh for more information 07 877 8345 | 0274 809807 | falkirk1@xtra.co.nz | www.falkirkgenetics.co.nzAdvertorial“Our association with Ian Walsh and Falkirk Genetics represent an integral part of a solution to the declining standards of meat and wool production in New Zealand.” - Richard Warren “In our opinion Falkirk has the capability of revolutionizing farm breeding systems. Ian’s expertise with his livestock assessment system has enabled us to drive our business forward to new levels of performance and profitability.” - Grant & Bernie Weller Feed conversion efficiency is the prime economic driver to determine the optimum animal BioStart Ruminant™ Sheep & Beef Cattle ProgrammeBeef Programme Ruminant™ helps optimise rumen function to improve feed utilisation and nutrient conversion Buy online at www.biostart.co.nz or phone Rex Turnbull 027 575 2696
About the Falkirk Scientific Foundation
Two Tooth sale is on Thursday 17 November at the Gallagher’s farm in Mt Somers, Mid ThereCanterbury.willbe
While it is a competitive market for stud animals on the maternal side in the Wairarapa, the Beltex is notable for its ability to increase meat yield when used as terminal sire, Hamish says.
• It is an objective tool to function a progeny test analysis.
Ian was greatly influenced at an early age by his paternal grandmother who was a profound judge of livestock and reliable genetic material.
The Beltex is originally from Belgium, as a derivative from the Texel, with the double muscling gene that was not in the original Texels brought into New Zealand.
Developedskills.inNew Zealand over four decades, the Falkirk Index System is used to estimate the retail meat value of live animals based on a wide range of inputs.
The Falkirk Index System is a holistic approach to livestock measurement, assessment and Itselection.recognises that the key to achieving the optimal animal is to merge the use of technology with stock judgment and appraisal
• It can be used for determining the selection of breeding stock.
• Pre-slaughter cleanliness and health status
This background and knowledge drives the assessment programme of the Falkirk Index.
involved in farming his entire life and has been a dedicated career producer and breeder for 62 years.
Which by default develops towards prepotency with lower gas emissions, that is directly attributed to an efficient metabolic function.
“The Falkirk System was developed to ensure genetic integrity for commercial producers and astute breeders alike,” says Ian.
The genetic difference between groups of peers can be calculated to a high degree of accuracy, to support a specific commercial animal selection process. This system is applicable across breed and species.
For more information contact Blair Gallagher phone 021 0223 1522 or Hamish Gallagher phone 027 550 7906
In the late 1980s he recognised the need for ultrasound technology in conjunction with a carcass probe that was capable of accurately measuring meat yield, quality and additional data, that clearly audits outcomes.
• Predictable portion size
“l have been fortunate to have right tools and equipment to enable me to make the best use of modern technology to improve the stud,” says Sarah.
Wairere goes Nude!
StudPerendaleAwaitiTePHOTO:
RIGHT: Vet Ian McDougall and Aand Wairere’s North Island customer service manager Rob Stratton undertaking the artiÿ cial insemination in April.
Te Awaiti Perendale Stud enjoying rapid progress
34 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT Thursday, September 8, 2022 Wairarapa Times-Age www.age.co.nz Thursday, September 8, 2022 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT 35
In April, Wairere transferred 458 bare sheep embryos from Britain into recipient ewes and inseminated 637 Wairere ewes with bare sheep semen. The Artiÿ cially Inseminated ewes were a mix of Facial Eczema tolerant, Texel/Romney and bare point Romneys.
The motto of “Proven, Predictable and Proÿ table” captures the essence of what Wairere Rams achieve for those who use them. The Wairere ram breeding ° ocks total some 7000 SIL-recorded Romney ewes and a further 3000 Romney ewes in “multiplier” ° ocks. The composite, terminal, facial eczema and smart wool ° ocks comprise a further 5000 ewes.
Historically, the stud focused primarily on producing hardy animals for challenging environments, Sarah says, and this is still a strong trait. But the Te Awaiti Perendales of today are also noted for their high fertility and high percentage lamb growth.
“We are primarily a service provider, if these new genetics are what the market is looking for, then we need to move with the times to ensure we can provide what our customers are after.”
While only a small number of New Zealand farmers are breeding towards sheep that don’t grow wool, stud owner Derek Daniell predicts numbers will increase if wool prices stay at the low level for much longer. Nudies will complement the range of genetics that Wairere o˛ ers.
Originally known as Parokowhai Stud and owned by Rod Cranswick, in more recent years the stud has been owned by Dan Riddiford of Te Awaiti Station and managed for the past four years by Sarah Wakelin.
Wairere Sheep Genetics is about to introduce the stud’s ÿ rst sheep with no wool – “Wairere Nudies” are a no shearing “hair sheep”. Purebred and ÿ rst cross Nudie ram lambs will be available for purchase from next March.
“This, coupled with the close involvement of Dayanne and Zoetis has resulted in the rapid progress of our stud to new levels which is quite exciting!”
The other aspect of the Wairere business that is not often known is its commitment to the education and training of young men and women who enter the pastoral farming sector or want to advance their careers.
Te Awaiti Perendale Stud has been beneÿ ting from an enthusiastic stud manager, supported by modern technology and sound advice, leading to some of its rams being in the top 20 per cent for the North Island.
The scale of the Wairere ram breeding ° ocks is an advantage that clients beneÿ t from. It allows heavy culling of under-performing animals, both ewes and rams.
“The accuracy added by genomics and DNA parentage provides more conÿ dence that ÿ gures and performance are matching to ensure maximum return for our clients.”
WAIRARAPA
EID tagging provides an opportunity to
Less than 25% of all ram lambs born are sold as rams meaning that culling and selection pressures are intense.
their farming and sheep breeding activities and this tradition is being carried on today through several exciting initiatives such as the Wairere Nudies.
“This year the ÿ rst lambers scanned 202 per cent and mixed aged ewes 198 per cent.
“We have been investing in DNA technology to accelerate the rate of genetic gain on the ock. We use Zoetis Genetics Shepherd Complete@ package which enables us to run our stud ° ock just as our commercial clients run theirs. Ewes are multi-sire mated and lambs are DNA
Te Awaiti is an iconic 6618 ha farm on the Wairarapa coast, east of Martinborough.
sampled at docking; to accurately identify
Sarah uses an array of Tru-Test technology to assist in decision-making about feed, health treatments and ock size management, and Electronic ldentiÿ cation (ElD) so individual animals can be tracked through their entire life cycle via an electronic ear tag.
better manage the individual performance of those animals.
2022
Throughout the generations, the Daniell family have been pioneers and innovators in
ABOVE: The female base for Wairere Nudies. Hayden Woolley’s ewes in England. These ewes have never been shorn”.
Sarah has lifted the stud’s pregnancy test results by 35 per cent over the past three years through a strict culling process, and the purchase and retention of better sires.
This year Te Awaiti Perendale Stud has 60 rams for sale which it will be selling on farm.
He believes the ÿ rst cross progeny will also beneÿ t from hybrid vigour. “A composite with bare points and tail will minimise dagging and reduce shearing to once a yearless wool but less than half the costs.
“Genomicallyparents.
Sarah has beneÿ ted from the experience and knowledge of Dayanne Almeida, Genetics North Island Area Manager and Technical Lead for Zoetis.
Contact Sarah to make an appointment phone 022 607 5968 or by email teawaiti2@gmail.com or go through your local stock agent.
“What we also know is that the genetics from which Wairere Nudies originated, have performed well in the UK for prime lamb production, reared under similar management and environmental conditions as New LocatedZealand.”inmedium to steep hill country
northeast of Masterton, Wairere has been breeding rams for 54 years and is the most recognised brand in sheep genetics in New Zealand. It produces mainly Romney rams but also o˛ ers composites, terminal sires, facial eczema tolerant and ÿ ne woolled “smart Operatingsheep”.ina challenging winter-wet and summer-dry class-one-wind-zone environment, Wairere produces sheep with strong constitution that are accustomed to mob stocking at high commercial stocking rates. Wairere winters an average of 750kg of live weight per hectare.
enhanced breeding values are used to select potential candidate sires for the next season.
With all sheep at Wairere being mob stocked and rotationally grazed throughout the year, apart from lambing time, Wairere is a rigorous testing ground, ensuring Wairere sheep have great “shifting ability” and a reputation for being able to recover condition rapidly after tough seasons.
Bred for high performance and ‘cast iron’ constitution
Glenview Romneys & South Suffolks
& BARB CROKER
Today Rocklea is the largest South Su° olk sheep stud in New Zealand, mating over 550 South Su° olks and 200 Poll Dorset ewes on the 660-hectare farm just out of RockleaDannevirke.puts a big focus on early maturing, easy doing, high yielding lambs with high selection pressure, Simon says.
Over the same period weaning weights (adj. 100 days) have exceeded 36kg from a lambing % consistently above 150%.
You can ÿ nd information and videos of the above products at www.stockezynz.com or phone 0800 785 399 or 027 250 2440
• Ewe hoggets have been mated (to Romney sires) for over 20 years.
• Ram hoggets have been eye muscle scanned since 1996.
Good farming practices and good genetics are the key to New Zealand’s future prosperity. At Te Taumata the future is always at the forefront of our sheep and cattle breeding programmes.
Simon and Fiona welcome on-farm inspections and will be holding an on-farm auction on Thursday 1 December at 1pm.
We aim to breed superior Romneys that produce the most from the least input.
A commercial farmer as well as stud breeder, Simon uses good old-fashioned sheep farming sense as well as modern measurement tools to produce the sorts of rams commercial farmers are looking for.
For further information please contact Simon Prouting phone 027 805 8501 email
To book this season’s rams and for more information contact Alistair on phone 06 372 7861 or 027 455 0099.
We deliberately challenge our Romneys by farming them on unfertilised native hill country in order to provide the maximum selection pressure and expose ‘soft’ sheep. We aim to breed superior Romneys that produce the most from the least input.
2022 marks 50 years since Joe Prouting started Rocklea with South Su° olks. In 1999, his son Simon followed family tradition and established his own stud farm with a ˛ ock of Poll Dorsets.
Rocklea South Suffolk & Poll Dorset celebrates 50 years
Leicester crossbred ewes make top mothers.
ewes (including 2ths) have scanned between 190% and 215% despite droughts. Over the same period weaning weights (adj. 100 days) have exceeded 36kg from a lambing % consistently above 150%.&GROWTHFERTILITYRATESURVIVAL • All sheep DNA and SIL recorded. • Ram hoggets have been eye muscle scanned since 1996. • Ewe hoggets have been mated (to Romney sires) for over 20 years. • Breeding programme puts an emphasis on worm resilience - lambs drenched only once prior to autumn. FE tolerance introduced more recently. • Scored for dags and feet shape. Sires DNA rated for footrot and cold tolerance. • We are ‘hands on’ breeders with a focus on detail and quality. • We take an uncompromising approach - sheep must constantly measure up. STOCK EZY Call Sean Blenkin 0800 785 399 www.stockezynz.comstockezy@outlook.co.nz EZY ON YOUR STOCK, EZY ON EWE SHEEP HANDLING GEAR WAIRARAPADELIVERYFREEWIDEFLOW CONTROL GATE EWE CRADLESHORT & LONG BACK STOPS Alistair & Eileen McWilliam 06 372 7861 0274 550 studstock@tetaumata.co.nz099www.tetaumata.co.nz • Constitution • Growth • Meat • Fertility • Longevity • Top Quality Wool Phone us to discuss your Romney and Border Leicester ram requirements Thursday 1st December 2022 Time: 1pm. Viewing from 10am onwards 1529 Ngapaeruru Road, RD3 Dannevirke • Eye muscle scanned • SIL Recorded • All Sires are DNA foot scored 15TH ANNUAL ON FARM RAM SALE 120 South Suffolks 45 Poll DorsetsCallum Stewart 027 280 2688 Tom Suttor - 027 446 9967 Bjorn Andersen - 027 440 5888 Simon Prouting 027 8058501 | prouting@inspire.net.nz are DNA foot ROCKLEA SOUTHTHSUFFOLK
“We do a lot of DNA testing through Lincoln College for foot rot resistance. All sires are DNA tested and 20 per cent of the progeny we sell are also DNA foot scored. All ewes are registered with SIL and all rams are on the SIL index.
The “Fadge Holders” made by Stock Ezy are ÿ nding a whole range of markets, not only for the wool shed but for gardeners to industrial applications.
• All sheep DNA and SIL recorded.
Stock Ezy says orders will need to be placed soon to ensure you have your gate in place for lamb Alldrafting.theproducts manufactured by Stock Ezy are getting a sound reputation.
“We also do our own foot analysis. Each ram sold, as well as our ewes, has a foot shape assessment score of one to ÿ ve, one being good and ÿ ve bad.
phoneMattManagerBjornphoneCallumphoneSimonphoneTomManagerCallumwww.rocklea.co.nzprouting@inspire.net.nzStewart-NationalGeneticsphone0272802688Suttor-Hawke’sBay/Wairarapa0274469967Smith-Manawatu/Whanganui0274440733McDonaldSouthIsland0274336443Andersen-AreaLivestockphone0274405888Lorck-CentralHawke’sBay0272064373
Our Romney and Border Leicester breeding programmes continue to focus on a balanced set of traits for top performance and proÿ tability, producing easy-doing sheep that can handle the tough seasons and bounce back quickly.
GEOFF Longbush, RD 4, Masterton email:www.glenviewromneys.co.nzbob_barb@slingshot.co.nzPhone06-3727820
Sean’s “Ewe Cradles” are popular with farmers, as are the “Backstops”.
• We take an uncompromising approach - sheep must constantly measure up.
Te Taumata ewes are run at very high district stocking rates under strictly commercial dryland farming conditions.
We are passionate about our breeding stock and our genetics and take great pride in o° ering rams that will make our clients more proÿ table. Ewe production and constitution, longevity, and mothering ability are without a doubt the cornerstones of the Te Taumata sheep ˛ ock. It is crucial to get the basics right.
We deliberately challenge our Romneys by farming them on unfertilised native hill country in order to provide the maximum selection pressure and expose ‘soft’ sheep.
website: facebook:www.tetaumata.co.nzTeTaumataGenetics
“All the rams are eye muscle scanned before they get to 200 days. We like to scan in early autumn to identify the early maturing, high growth rate sheep, with high eye muscle, meaning good yielding lambs, so farmers can get their lambs o° as quick as they can and get another lot through before the next winter, if that is a Whilerequirement.”mostRocklea rams are sold to be used over commercial ˛ ocks, every year Simon sells a small number of his best rams to other studs.
Te Taumata Border Leicester 2TH Rams FE tolerance introduced more recently.
&GROWTHFERTILITYRATESURVIVAL
• Breeding programme puts an emphasis on worm resilience - lambs drenched only once prior to autumn. FE tolerance introduced more recently.
• We are ‘hands on’ breeders with a focus on detail and quality.
They are highly productive sheep that are sought-after and command high prices at sale yards around the country.
WAIRARAPA
Romney/Border Leicester crossbred lambs achieve high yielding, prime carcass weights quickly.
When Simon, Fiona and their three young boys moved to Dannevirke in 2008, they added his father’s South Su° olks to the stud, after he retired.
• We are ‘hands on’ breeders with a focus on detail and quality.
Seanyards.from
Glenview Romneys
Wool products ÿ t in very well with the growing awareness in our society of the importance of the need for sustainability and eco-friendly products.
2022
Over the last 20 years ewes (including 2ths) have scanned between 190% and 215% despite droughts.
• Scored for dags and feet shape. Sires DNA rated for footrot and cold tolerance.
• We take an uncompromising approach sheep must constantly measure up.
Lamb survival and weaning a high percentage of lambs Prime-o° -Mum are the result of an e˝ cient and productive ewe ˛ ock. Here at Te Taumata we continue to select for and breed high quality wool, despite the low prices paid.
Stock Ezy has been overwhelmed with the willingness of farmers to try something new. Its “Flow Control Gate” has proved itself as a beneÿ cial addition to sheep
Proud to be manufactured in the home of Golden Shears, Masterton.
Stock Ezy’s Flow Control Gate has proved itself DorsetPoll&olkSu°SouthRockleaPHOTO: Glenview Romneys We aim to breed superior Romneys that produce the most from the least input. Glenview Romneys & South Suffolks GEOFF & BARB CROKER Longbush, RD 4, Masterton email:www.glenviewromneys.co.nzbob_barb@slingshot.co.nzPhone06-3727820 Over the last 20 years ewes (including 2ths) have scanned between 190% and 215% despite droughts. Over the same period weaning weights (adj. 100 days) have exceeded 36kg from a lambing % consistently above 150%.&GROWTHFERTILITYRATESURVIVAL • All sheep DNA and SIL recorded. • Ram hoggets have been eye muscle scanned since 1996. • Ewe hoggets have been mated (to Romney sires) for over 20 years. • Breeding programme puts an emphasis on worm resilience - lambs drenched only once prior to autumn.
Te Taumata Romney & Border Leicester
Te Taumata Border Leicesters are ideal for Romney/Bordercrossbreeding.
• Scored for dags and feet shape. Sires DNA rated for footrot and cold tolerance.
Bred for high performance and ‘cast iron’ constitution
36 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT Thursday, September 8, 2022 Wairarapa Times-Age www.age.co.nz Thursday, September 8, 2022 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT 37
Bone, constitution, carcass and impeccable structure are particular strengths of Te Taumata Rams.
With all of the uncertainty in the world at the moment, it is clear that food production and food security is one of the most important focuses for our world economies.
Glenview Romneys
Having the auction on a Thursday is a departure from the previous years when the auction was on a Friday.
Over the last 20 years
“We have also developed our own system of foot shape assessment so that we know we have done everything we can to make sure the sheep are sound and have the evidence to back that up.
Glenview Romneys
& South Suffolks GEOFF & BARB CROKER Longbush, RD 4, Masterton email:www.glenviewromneys.co.nzbob_barb@slingshot.co.nzPhone06-3727820