Facial eczema
SHEEP Country Episode 2 – Romani Farms: Breeding for resilience
A focus on dual-purpose genetics is at the heart of Romani Farms, where Ross and Ruth Richards run 700 hectares in the King Country.
In this episode, Jo Scott talks with Ross about breeding resilient Coopworth and Wiltshire flocks built on decades of selection for facial eczema and worm tolerance, structural soundness, and low-input performance. He reflects on their progress, the transition to maintenance-free Wiltshires, and how balancing data with practicality has produced robust, high-performing sheep suited to real-world farming conditions.
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
Breakthrough in facial eczema research
A major step forward in understanding facial eczema (FE) in livestock could help reduce the devastating impact this disease has on New Zealand farmers, animals, and rural communities. Words Sandra Taylor.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand works to tackle facial eczema
Facial eczema remains a major challenge for New Zealand’s livestock farmers, severely affecting animal health and productivity to the tune of $332 million annually. Words Sandra Taylor.