22 | 07 825 4805 / 07 826 3666 office@teakautransport.nz Livestock - Fertiliser - Aglime - Metal - Animal Feed Team is shifting toward 60:40 or 50:50 The traditional 70:30 sheep to cattle ratio is shifting toward 60:40 or potentially 50:50. Karen Phelps Strategic selection of genetics from HillCroft Angus and Waimai Romneys is helping Limestone Downs, a 3,200-hectare coastal property near Port Waikato, to adjust its ratio of sheep and beef. The traditional 70:30 sheep to cattle ratio is shifting toward 60:40 or potentially 50:50 as management recognises the benefits of increased cattle numbers for both pasture control and parasite management. Sheep and beef manager Justin Lamb says this transition requires genetics capable of performing across different stocking rate scenarios while maintaining commercial viability. “HillCroft Angus offer good constitution and hardy hill country cattle. Good commercial cattle that don’t get too pampered,” he explains. “This focus on robust genetics is essential for livestock that must perform consistently across rolling hills, expansive flats and occasional basins in an environment prone to summer drought conditions. We like the eczema tolerance, worm resistance and the longevity traits of the sheep that result from Waimai Romney genetics, which are valuable in coastal environments where parasite pressure and facial eczema can significantly impact flock performance and profitability.” Currently managing approximately 1,200 head of cattle, including 240 Angus cows with plans to expand to 400, Justin recognises that genetic selection must align with broader farm management objectives. The cattle serve dual purposes: commercial production and pasture management. “We are building up the Angus herd for pasture control to keep on top of the rank feed and kikuyu grass to create some decent quality feed for the sheep,” says Justin. “So genetic selection supports whole-farm ecosystem management rather than simply maximising individual animal performance.” The property sources 350 beef-cross calves annually from an adjacent dairy operation operating under a strict ‘no bobby calves’ policy. Justin says this integration demands genetics capable of thriving across different management RURAL PEOPLE » Limestone Downs Station systems while achieving consistent finishing weights. The sheep side of the business equally reflects careful genetic planning through its partnership with Waimai Romney. Managing approximately 7,000 ewes and 2,000 hoggets, the operation utilises Romney genetics as the maternal base while incorporating terminal sires including Suftex and Poll Dorset for approximately half the flock. Justin says the genetic strategy directly addresses practical farming challenges. “With drench resistance increasingly threatening sheep operations nationwide, selecting for natural Pregnancy Testing Sheep and Cattle Experienced Scanners testing fromNorthland to King Country For all enquiries phone Andrew Noble-Campbell: 027 3163 134 For all your Excavating requirements give Steven a call today! Servicing Matira, Ngaruawahia, Te Akau, Waingaro, Waikaretu & Huntly areas Steven Brooks 0273361366 • Matira Rd, Ngaruawahia SW Brooks Contracting Limited EXCAVAT I NG , TRUCK CARTAGE & S I LAGE SERV I CES worm resistance reduces reliance on chemical interventions and maintains flock health and productivity. Our drench status is pretty good at the moment and we want to keep it that way.” The emphasis on early lamb finishing reflects how genetic selection must align with environmental constraints. “Coastal properties typically experience summer dry conditions, requiring lambs capable of achieving target weights before feed quality deteriorates. So we are focusing on finishing lambs earlier to have the majority sold by Christmas,” explains Justin. “This approach requires maternal genetics supporting early growth rates and terminal sire genetics delivering efficient feed conversion during optimal growing periods.” The farm is part of the C Alma Baker Charitable Trust, established in 1981 in partnership with Massey University. This collaboration introduced intensive management techniques that demanded higherperforming livestock capable of thriving under rotational grazing systems with smaller paddocks and increased management intensity. In addition to its commercial farming activities, Limestone Downs preserves around 800 hectares of fenced native bush, dedicated to natural regeneration and conservation. Justin says this reflects a commitment to balancing agricultural production with environmental care while meeting the unique challenges of coastal farming in New Zealand.
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