64 | RURAL PEOPLE » Kelso Genetics Supporting the next generation of leaders Kelso group at AgResearch - Grasslands Research Centre. Karen Phelps Kelso Genetics has announced the inaugural Roger Marshall Scholarship. Valued at $5,000 it is designed to support the next generation of leaders in sheep and beef farming or agribusiness. “The Roger Marshall Scholarship honours the legacy of company founder Roger Marshall, an innovator and pioneer in New Zealand sheep genetics,” says Matt Holden, co-owner and director at Kelso Genetics. “Roger sadly passed away in May last year and we are very proud to offer this. It’s a way to remember Roger and ensure his legacy continues. Roger sold his first ram in 1956 so here we are 70 years on.” He says the scholarship reflects the principles Roger instilled in the business: listening, thinking and innovating. Open to full-time students in their final year at a New Zealand tertiary institution or land-based training organisation, applicants must be the son or daughter of a Kelso Genetics client or an employee’s child. “They should demonstrate a strong passion for farming and agribusiness, a commitment to academic growth and a forward-thinking mindset. The recipient will be announced on May 31,” says Matt. Founded by Roger Marshall in the 1970s, Kelso Genetics continues to build on decades of expertise in sheep breeding. The company has pioneered modern crossbred sheep genetics in New Zealand, creating animals that perform efficiently while remaining healthy and robust. “Health has to come first as then animals will do better and be more efficient. Animal health is under a huge amount of pressure from the likes of worms and facial eczema. So worm resistance and FE tolerance along with body condition score are an important focus to have a healthy, efficient breeding ewe.” Matt says growth rate is also central to ensuring animals remain healthy, efficient, and commercially viable. “Growth rate is a health trait too,” explains Matt. “The less time lambs are on farm, the less contamination with worms, fewer drenches and lower methane emissions. It all ties together to improve efficiency and sustainability.” The Kelso breeding programme is supported by AbacusBio’s ANI-MATE software, which Matt says helps optimise genetic diversity, reduce inbreeding and maintain ewe productivity. The company also collaborates with FECPAK as one of their PhenR breeders, using science-based tools to assess parasite resistance.
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