| 59 Rocklea Stud’s 17th annual sale The sale is set for December 5. Karen Phelps As the largest South Suffolk sheep stud in New Zealand prepares for its 17th annual on-farm sale, Rocklea South Suffolk and Poll Dorset stud is showcasing the resilience and quality of its flock despite challenging conditions. The sale, set for December 5, will feature approximately 110 South Suffolks and 60 Poll Dorsets, offering farmers an opportunity to invest in genetics that have withstood the test of time and nature. “It’s a good line up this year,” says Simon Prouting, who runs the 664-hectare property near Dannevirke with his wife Fiona. “Considering the weather and national worm challenges, the way the sheep have come through is pretty positive showing we are building resilience in the sheep.” The Rocklea stud, with roots stretching back over 50 years, has been under Simon’s stewardship when he took over from his parents. The Proutings moved to the North Island from South Canterbury in 2008, gradually expanding their operation to its current size. This year marks a significant milestone for Rocklea, as the stud has transitioned to 100% DNA testing. “I used to tag lambs every day but with this testing I have been able to leave them to their own devices as they should naturally be and the results are better. The sheep are more settled and natural mothering instincts can kick in more.” All rams up for auction undergo a foot shape assessment, a practice Simon has refined over the past decade. “We’ve been working on this for close to ten years and have had massive reward building up longevity,” he says. “Additionally all stud sires are DNA scored for foot rot resistance in collaboration with Lincoln University, with about a quarter of the sale rams also receiving this testing. All rams are also eye muscle scanned in the autumn. We do it early in March as we like to recognize the early maturing sheep for our clients.” The stud’s breeding philosophy focuses on producing hardy, adaptable sheep. “Even though we are on SIL (Sheep Improvement Limited), we like easy doing sheep with guts and constitution that will thrive in all conditions,” Simon explains. Another recent development is that Rocklea has introduced dag scoring for all progeny. “Sheep we retain within the stud have to have a big skid pad – less wool around the bottom. This means fewer dags, which is a win for commercial farmers, and I believe they are more ON FARM » Rocklea Stud resilient to worm challenge as well. When I did a dag score the ones that had zero or little dag looked bigger and healthier.” Rocklea comprises 450 South Suffolk ewes and 250 Poll Dorset ewes and the stud has garnered a reputation for producing sheep that excel in both growth rates and yield. Simon says South Suffolks are particularly valued for their ease of lambing and good length through the loin, contributing to impressive growth rates. The stud identifies the progeny well with their dark heads. Poll Dorsets, known for their high growth rates and well-muscled build, offer an alternative for farmers who prefer sheep without the black markings characteristic of South Suffolks. As New Zealand president of the South Suffolk Breeders club, Simon’s expertise and dedication to the breed are widely recognised. He says the upcoming sale, run by PGG Wrightson, offers farmers a chance to invest in genetics that have been carefully cultivated for resilience, productivity and adaptability. “We are commercial farmers and like to breed Wh tever your business nd ccounting needs, get in touch tod y. Cheri Henricksen B.B.S., C.A. Senior Associ te We’ll help drive your business forw rd Dtreo sheep that add value to our clients’ bottom line. It’s all about helping them to make as much money and as quickly as possible.” Interested buyers are welcome to view the sheep in the weeks leading up to the December 5 sale.
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