| 35 2nd year cadets Sophie Chandler, Oliver Selby & Luke Smillie. RURAL PEOPLE » Pukemiro Station we are seeing so many applicants,” says Sam. Facilitated by the Eastern Institute of Technology, the Pukemiro cadetship combines practical on-farm training with classroom learning. Cadets work towards the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Operational Skills) Level 3, the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Farming Systems) Level 3 and the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Breeding Livestock Farming) Level 4. Sam says that the boutique approach and small class sizes allow cadets more direct one-on-one time with farm staff and tutors producing highly employable graduates. Less Feed, Better Returns: The Proven Economics of Optimal Genetics IAN WALSH Contact Ian Walsh for more information 07 877 8345 | 0274 809807 | e: falkirk1@xtra.co.nz | www.falkirkgenetics.co.nz QUALITY ANIMAL GENETICS With farming margins under relentless pressure, animals using the Falkirk Index System have been shown to consume 24% less feed than inefficient animals while maintaining high productivity. For commercial farmers struggling with rising input costs this represents a fundamental shift says Principal Director of the Falkirk Scientific Foundation Ian Walsh. “The current system is about high cost debt spiral. The Falkirk Index System is about wealth creation through a low cost animal that produces at a high level through its genetic worth rather than being dependent on high cost inputs. Exactly as genetics work in the wild,” he says. The system's commercial credibility isn't built on theory, it's validated by an impressive array of international awards won by Falkirk clients. These include the International Hostec Supreme Beef Award in South Africa, New Zealand's National Sheep Industry Dual Purpose Meat Yield Award, the SA Stud Book Elite Beef Breeder of the Year, and most recently, the Trans Australian LAMBEX Feedlot Carcass Competition awards for Best ADG Lamb Team and Best Maternal Lamb Team in 2024. “Reasoned science and objective client data continues to confirm genetic gain of significant differential. Interfaced with financial analyses, real time farm business profit margins are generated by clients,” explains Ian, whose 65-year sheep and beef career includes 98 international trips working with producers across three continents. The financial advantages extend beyond feed efficiency. The system's focus on feed conversion efficiency as the prime economic driver produces animals that naturally develop towards prepotency with lower gas emissions, a direct result of efficient metabolic function. Ian says this addresses both profitability and environmental concerns simultaneously. The Falkirk Index System combines ultrasound technology with structural assessment to define optimal animals. Measured data - bone-fat-meat ratio relative to live-weight - accounts for 40% of the assessment and hand-eye methodology evaluates skeletal correctness indicating functionality and longevity. This holistic approach enables breeding value determination through sire analysis allowing farmers to make informed selection decisions backed by objective data. “This private enterprise solution is customised to individual client's goals and expectations,” says Ian. “The system's applicability across breed and species means it can be implemented regardless of current livestock type, with genetic differences between peer groups calculated to a high degree of accuracy.” The system's validation extends across New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, with repeated confirmation of valuable data in all three countries, says Ian. “This international proof provides solid leverage for producers seeking to advance towards high-quality certified marketing regimes.” For wholesalers, butchers, and retailers, the benefits include clever stock selection for efficient processing, higher success rates for carcasses meeting specifications and lower waste disposal requirements - a massive gain for both business margins and environmental sustainability. “With commercial producers facing unprecedented challenges, the Falkirk System offers the only complete business and genetic solution that exists to provide viable economic and genetic outcomes for clients. The awards, testimonials and proven data suggest this isn't hollow promise - it's demonstrated reality.” “All of the cadets that have finished the two years have gone onto various shepherding roles throughout the country.” A distinctive aspect of the programme is its focus on pastoral care and life skills. Cadets live on-site in their own cottage and every six weeks one cadet takes responsibility for cooking for staff and cadets, maintaining the cottage and keeping lawns and gardens tidy. “This teaches cadets those practical life skills that they will take to their next job. We’re really big on those soft skills, carrying ourselves with pride in the community and the things we do,” explains Sam. The programme also encourages participation in extra-curricular activities including shearing competitions, fencing, Young Farmers events and even sporting activities such as rugby. Sam says this broad approach makes cadets “all-rounders” with a wide skill base, which ultimately makes them more employable. “If they can take good care of themselves outside the job it also makes them perform in the job better.” Pukemiro Station is supported by a 700-hectare block at Otawa, 30 minutes south-east of the main farm, which also runs a Romney ewe flock and Angus cows with the majority of the progeny returning to Pukemiro to be finished. Otawa is run by Ben Weeks the farm manager who lives out on the farm and the second year cadets spend a week at a time here. Sam emphasises that the programme not only benefits cadets but the wider agricultural sector. “Farmers are looking for trained shepherds but the training opportunities are missing so the cadetship helps fill that gap.” The Pukemiro cadetship combines practical on-farm training with classroom learning.
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