SHEEP
Delaying ram mating a week can lift lamb growth rates
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 can finish lambs at 300g a day
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.
Ballance trials pasture spray that cuts parasite larvae
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.
Farming at pace
Charles Yule had barely had time to get his boots dirty when he took the role as manager of Whakamarumaru Station, diving headfirst into an intensive development programme. His enthusiasm, attention to detail and ability to deliver results bagged him the title of Hawke’s Bay Farmer of the Year for 2026. Words Rebecca Greaves, Photos John Cowpland.
The chef’s lamb at home
New Zealand’s finest lamb has primarily been focused on the tables of the world. Marc and Jess Hamilton of Leelands Lamb are changing that. From their Southland base, the couple hand-cut, age and dispatch the export-grade lamb straight to Kiwi home kitchens. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
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.