| 29 Te Kawa a multi-generational stud Te Kawa is a multi-generational stud that was started by Andrew’s grandfather Eric. Aimee Wilson Te Kawa Poll Dorset has been recognised internationally with a breeder in Brazil utilising their genetics. Five rams from Te Kawa Poll Dorset over a twoyear period of present and past sires, along with rams from three other studs in New Zealand, were selected by the exporter and the client. “It was great to see some of our genetics heading off overseas,” owner Andrew Clifton said. Elected president of the Poll Dorset Breed Society in late 2025, of which there are currently 47 registered studs, Andrew, along with Naomi, Cohen & Keeliarn, farm at the base of the Ruahine Ranges - 700m above sea level and reaching a peak of just over a 1000m. Situated in the Northern Manawatu hill country, Te Kawa is a multi-generational stud that was started by Andrew’s grandfather Eric in 1959. Stuart, Andrew’s father, then took over in 1983, followed by Andrew in 2000 to the present day. Breeding high performance rams is the primary goal of the business, and genetics are selected for survival, structural soundness and mobility on hill country. “We’re trying to breed a meaty, compact ram with high growth rates that will thrive in any environment.” The ewes are selected on constitution, longevity and performance. Any lower breeding index ewes are demoted to the commercial flock. The ewe hoggets run alongside the commercial flock at 800m on the rougher country and are selected for the stud on their type, appearance and breeding index. Andrew said Poll Dorsets have wool that is known for being “predominately even, with a high bulk fleece with good character, which makes it easier for once-a-year shearing.” Sires are selected from within their flock and they have used proven link sires to create connectedness across the breed. They have also used AI from proven rams. “This has allowed our breeding programme to go forward, improve performance which benefits out clients. “Our ram lambs are taken through and later scrutinized on structure, ranking and constitution. Therefore, only top-quality rams are sold.” Te Kawa rams are sold from mid-December onwards by arrangement. The base breed of the commercial flock is Poll Dorset as they are excellent mothers and have a high milking ability. RURAL PEOPLE » Te Kawa - Clifton “They are under-utilised as a maternal animal.” Te Kawa Poll Dorset starts lambing in early October, to coincide with the grass growth in the Spring. “We need to produce a fast-finishing lamb.” Alongside the sheep there are red deer and Angus cattle, with the bulls being sourced from Ngaputahi Station. “The Ngaputahi bulls are well suited to our conditions. When we source bulls we prefer them with medium birth rates, good growth and moderate maternal weight so our cows are medium framed which allows them to handle the harsher winters”. The future of Te Kawa Poll Dorset stud is to keep building on what they have, and to increase and improve their operation through performance breeding. PROVIDING PROGRESSIVE FARMERS EXCELLENT SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE THEIR PROFIT MARGIN WITH ROMNEYS, GROWBULKS & ANGUS BULLS Contact: Forbes Cameron 027 529 4050 Angus Cameron 027 299 1350
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