| 5 RURAL PEOPLE » Arahura Genetics Arahura annual ram sale this November Paul, Dayanne and their daughter Isabella. Karen Phelps Farmers looking to strengthen flock performance will have the opportunity to access some of New Zealand’s leading sheep genetics when Arahura Genetics holds its annual ram sale this November by private treaty. Based in the Wairarapa, the stud has built a reputation for breeding Romney rams with exceptional facial eczema tolerance and worm resistance as well as maintaining the productive traits commercial farmers rely on. Owned by Paul Crick and Dayanne Almeida, Arahura Genetics continues the legacy of the respected Makino flock, purchased in 2021 from Ross and Gilly Alexander. Since taking over, the pair have focused on advancing decades of genetic progress and ensuring the flock continues to deliver practical benefits for sheep farmers. “Our goal is to carry forward and build upon the outstanding work of the Alexanders and ARDG group,” explains Paul. “We want to help farmers make the best breeding choices for the future of their flocks.” This year’s ram sale will feature animals developed under commercial hill country conditions ensuring buyers are investing in genetics proven to perform in real farming environments rather than under intensive stud management. The stud operates from Glenside, an 850-hectare sheep, beef and deer property southeast of Masterton, where every sheep is individually performance recorded. The breeding programme places equal emphasis on animal health, productivity and structural soundness. “By using our rams, farmers can elevate their flock’s tolerance to facial eczema while also maintaining production traits,” explains Paul. “There is no compromise on structure or performance.” He says facial eczema remains one of the most significant challenges facing sheep farmers across many parts of New Zealand with the disease capable of causing severe liver damage, reduced productivity and even death. While management practices can reduce the impact Paul says that breeding for genetic tolerance provides a permanent, cumulative solution. Likewise selecting for worm resistance is becoming increasingly important as drench resistance continues to develop throughout the country. Arahura Genetics has invested heavily in both traits for decades. The flock has been facial eczema tested since 1982 and worm resistance tested since 2003, earning both FE Gold and WormFEC Gold accreditation. Today it ranks among New Zealand’s highest SIL facial eczema and WormFEC indexed flocks. The stud’s Maternal Worth plus Facial Eczema Index sits in the top seven percent nationally, while the 2025 sale rams average DPX ranks in the industry’s top five percent. Its worm resistance programme also continues to deliver results, with the flock’s DPF Index sitting 580 cents above the national average and this year’s sale rams averaging in the top 19 percent nationally. All lambs are DNA tested to provide genomically enhanced breeding values, giving commercial farmers greater confidence when selecting sires. “Breeding for increased tolerance should be the first line of defence,” explains Paul. “Consistently introducing tested, tolerant rams into a flock can make a significant difference within only a few years.” The breeding programme also focuses on maternal performance, early growth, moderate ewe size, carcass yield and lifetime reproductive performance, ensuring buyers receive genetics that contribute to profitability across multiple traits rather than a single point of difference. With increasing pressure on livestock health, productivity and profitability, Paul says the upcoming ram sale offers commercial farmers an opportunity to invest in genetics designed to improve flock performance for generations to come. More than 80 percent of the sale rams qualify for WormFEC Gold status giving buyers confidence they are investing in animals bred for long-term resilience as well as productivity. ARAHURA GENETICS
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