SHEEP Country
Setting up for growing great lambs
With the outlook for lamb positive, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Growing Great Lambs workshops outline ways farmers can maximise lamb growth rates to make the most of the strong returns. Words Sandra Taylor.
Summer forage crops an ideal lamb finishing option
Strong returns for lamb, increasingly widespread drench resistance and the prospect of a hot, dry summer all build a strong case for establishing specialist lamb finishing forages this spring. Words Sandra Taylor.
Fertiliser targets larvae on pasture
A new liquid fertiliser with the ability to deliver a knockout blow to larvae on pasture could soon be the latest tool in the fight against drench resistance on New Zealand farms. Words Rebecca Greaves.
The Day of reckoning
No one can deny the numbers of a declining national lamb crop with the over-capacity of processing plants set to collide as the day of reckoning looms closer for New Zealand’s red meat sector. Words Tony Leggett.
The proven formula for meat quality
AgResearch scientists urge breeders to genotype, measure, and select for faster genetic progress through more accurate breeding values. Words GenomNZ.
Romani doubles down on robust genetics
The past few years has seen Ross and Ruth Richards work hard on diversifying from their proven Romani Coopworth genetics as they recognise shifts in their clients’ commercial needs. Words Richard Rennie.
Genetic tools under-utilised by sheep industry
Dr Jason Archer, Head of Genetics at Beef + Lamb New Zealand, believes the sheep industry is under-utilising the transformative power of genetic tools to speed up genetic progress. Words Sandra Taylor.
NZ Sheep Industry’s 30-Year Report Card
Since 1995, Beef + Lamb New Zealand has been recording the sheep industry’s genetic progress through its national genetic evaluation (the NZGE) and results over the last three decades highlight how impressive this progress has been. Words Sandra Taylor.
Push-back against drench resistance
Using a targeted genetic line that balances production and worm resistance, WormFEC Gold ram breeders have been working to reduce New Zealand farmers’ reliance on chemical drench – one generation at a time. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
How to keep ahead of the drench game
When asking for drench performance information when buying stock or land, it is recommended that farmers get a series of tests carried out over time. Words Sandra Taylor.