| 47 Waimai is one of only a handful of breeders to hold both FeGold and WormFec Gold accreditation. RURAL PEOPLE » Waimai Romneys Central to this progress is comprehensive SIL recording, allowing Waimai to balance production traits such as growth and fertility with health traits like parasite resistance and FE tolerance, without sacrificing good structure and a robust constitution. This data-driven approach accelerates genetic gain while ensuring overall functionality, SAM & EMILY WELCH - 021 776 486 | EMILYWELCH648@GMAIL.COM a strength clearly reflected in Waimai’s genetic trend performance. Today, the focus is on breeding sheep with low or no dags, clean breeches and points, and lower methane output, all aimed at producing low-input sheep with minimal “touch time.” Alastair says some of the biggest genetic challenges facing New Zealand sheep farming include rising parasite resistance, producing wool with no work, and the need to maintain productivity while reducing the farm’s environmental footprint. “It is really exciting to see a quantum shift in the value of strong wool over the last 18 months ($5.30 clean average on January 15), which needs to continue, but as breeders, we need to breed wooled sheep that require little work.” With nearly a century of experience behind it and a clear genetic direction ahead, Waimai Romney remains firmly focused on breeding sheep that are fit for the future — helping farmers produce more with less, without compromising animal welfare or sustainability.
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