Business Rural North Winter 2021

16 | Progressive sheep Kim Newth G rassendale Genetics is a premium ram stud in the Wairarapa, where George and Luce Williams are breeding hardy sheep for the hill country. Wool quality remains a key focus of their breeding programme and, even with low wool prices, that’s not about to change. “Our clients are passionate and enthusiastic sheep farmers who are still focussed on wool because it’s an absolutely great product and this is what creates hope for the industry’s future,” says George, who started his own farming career at 16, as a shepherd in the Wairarapa. It was a thirst for the high country that first led George onto the land in pursuit of a lifestyle working with sheep, dogs and horses. Today, he and Luce are proud to share that lifestyle with their three children, Max, 13, Sofia, 12 and Harvey, 11. “They naturally gravitate to farming too and I think there’s definitely a future for them in the sheep industry if they want it. “ Looking at our own business with genetics, there is a wealth of data available now; it’s an exciting time with so much innovation and new technology at our disposal.” Grassendale runs approximately 10,000 stock units, including Romney, Coopworth, Romworth and Suftex/Beltex cross studs. His years in sheep breeding have left George with a deep respect for the stock he’s working with, the natural fibre they produce and New Zealand’s hill country farming community. “I feel privileged to be working around so many committed and progressive farmers - don’t ever un- derestimate what a passion there is in this country for wool. It’s such an important part of our heritage, but I believe its qualities as a natural fibre mean there is exciting future potential for growth too.” Grassendale is a steep, summer dry hill country farm with a high wind run. George and Luce run a high quality stud farm operation and, in 2019, won the Wairarapa Sheep and Beef Farm Business of the Year Award. Shearing takes place twice a year and with a 9-stand woolshed the buzz of activity for shearing gang and staff is one to enjoy. “The more wool we grow the better. Micron is still very important. So many years of breeding has gone into so many fleeces across the country – it’s not something to throw away yet. CAMPAIGN FOR WOOL » Grassendale Genetics: George & Luce Williams “As a sheep industry, we need dual purpose sheep without doubt. When the wool price does come back, the people who are still selecting and making management decisions based on wool will be in a stronger position to benefit from that.” In the past, he suspects urban consumers drew little distinction between sheep and other types of farming but he believes that is fast changing. “People are realising that wool is a truly superior product. It’s natural, renewable and is produced sustainably – as that story gets out, I believe it will create demand.” Compared to synthetic materials that shed mi- croplastics into the environment, wool is biodegrad- able. As George observes, wool also repels on the outside and absorbs on the inside, so is naturally insulating. “It really has a lot of benefits. I recently learned that it works like a natural filtration system in carpets and is great at repelling odours. It’s perfect for both offices and homes. I don’t know why more people don’t recognise that wool is one of the greatest products we have – and it’s sitting here right under our noses.” With fresh ideas on using wool now starting to gain a headwind online and through social media platforms, he is optimistic that the industry is on the cusp of a comeback. Given that most of the national wool clip is strong wool, he says this is also where most of the opportunities lie for future growth. Last year’s plan, released by Government, to re- vitalise New Zealand’s strong wool sector, followed the formation of the Strong Wool Action Group (SWAG) are positive developments for the industry. “In farming, you don’t want to rely on hope – you’ve got to make it happen. People are now pushing for innovation and starting to get that good product story out there ... I believe we are at a tip- ping point with innovation that will build momen- tum for a recovery.” George welcomes moves to develop a farm assurance brand for wool, delivering on traceability and sharing the industry’s sustainability story with consumers. “Our sheep farmers are passionate about taking care of both their land and the environment and that’s a story we need to communicate to the marketplace.” “I feel privileged to be working around so many committed and progressive farmers - don’t ever underestimate what a passion there is in this country for wool. It’s such an important part of our heritage, but I believe its qualities as a natural fibre mean there is exciting future potential for growth too.” Grassendale rams (top). The Wairarapa sheep and beef farm runs around 10,000 stock units including Romney, Coopworth, Romworth and Suftex/Beltex cross studs. Contact Quenten Robertson 06 370 8231 or 027 345 0773 primeshearing@xtra.co.nz PO Box 492 Masterton 5840 “For all your shearing needs” www.sargentmotorcycles.nz Proud to support Grassendale Genetics The largest range of side by sides in Wairarapa We service and repair all makes and models of ATV's, Side by Sides and Bikes.