Public articles
SHEEP Country Episode 1 – Waitohi Peaks: Shedding composites advantage
Focusing on shedding composites has reshaped farming at Waitohi Peaks, where Andrew, Sara, Digby and Guy Heard run stud and commercial flocks on North Canterbury hill country.
In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with the Heards about their shift to shedding composites, the workload and cost savings, genetic progress, and the opportunities they see for building more resilient and profitable sheep systems.
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.
Tools to improve lamb survival
There are many factors that impact lamb survival including feed planning to avoid underfeeding, body condition scoring and pregnancy. Words Sandra Taylor.
Farmers drive progress in facial eczema research
Since 2023, over 300 farms across 16 regions have collected faecal samples from October to May as part of the Sheep Poo Study now entering its final season. Words Sandra Taylor
No slacking on sheep measles prevention
One dog infected with sheep measles can contaminate large areas of pasture and could put New Zealand’s sheepmeat export markets at risk. Words Tony Leggett.