20 | RURAL PEOPLE » Glenlands Farm The Martins have been impressed by how the SheepMaster, a Western Australian breed, has performed in the wet weather. “We imported genetics for the Australian White and the SheepMaster, a Western Australian breed that shares a similar climate of wet winters and dry summers as Hawke’s Bay,” says Dean. “It’s been a really hard season here with about two and a half months of rain this summer. We’ve been really impressed with how well the SheepMaster have performed. The wet has set the Australian Whites back as they’re softer in the feet,” adds Antoinette. The longer pasture has helped mitigate the effects of a wet summer on the soil and the shedded wool helps by breaking down into the soil and boosting soil minerals. Accordingly, the farms fertiliser budget averages $500 a year. Another cost saving is in y treatments as the shedding sheep are less susceptible. The Australian breeds also perform better on stalky summer grass from a regenerative system. “We’re registered as a stud for both the Australian White and SheepMaster, but we’re pivoting towards the SheepMaster as they are more resilient and handle the pressure of the wet weather. We’re having an on-farm auction of two tooth rams at the end of 2023,” says Dean. Shedding sheep are triggered by sunshine hours in October-November when the grass has the highest nutrients. If fed well, they can drop their eece in July and August which is ideal for lambing. Both the Australian White and SheepMaster are aseasonal breeders and Dean and Antoinette hope to get into a system of lambing three times a year, with a split ock, which will spread the feed pressure and generate income throughout the year. “We’re fortunate to grow grass all year round as we don’t allow our grass cover to get below a certain point so that it can take off with a bit of moisture in summer,” says Dean. “Farming is about adapting to change and not one size ts all. You have to do what’s right for your environment and manage that appropriately.” “We’re registered as a stud for both the Australian White and SheepMaster, but we’re pivoting towards the SheepMaster as they are more resilient and handle the pressure of the wet weather.” On the farm or on the couch Keep your best mate in peak condition with 100% natural, kiwi-made, quality dog food delivered directly to your door Contact Us 02102737058 catherine@mightymixswhb.com • from page 19
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