SHEEP Country 2025

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.

AgResearch scientists urge breeders to genotype, measure, and select for faster genetic progress through more accurate breeding values. Words GenomNZ.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are many factors that impact lamb survival including feed planning to avoid underfeeding, body condition scoring and pregnancy. Words Sandra Taylor.

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

Understanding how pasture plants grow will give farmers the ability to manage pastures to optimise productivity, persistence and profitability.