Business Rural Spring 2021

| 69 Te Rae Coopworth rams. MEAT & WOOL » Te Rae Genetics season from stud’s popular breeds Adding Coopdales to the stud four years ago was a logical move for Chris, who observes that the shift into dairying throughout the region has pushed sheep firmly into the hill country. “There has been less demand for Coopworth rams but the Perendale and Coopworth genetics mix well and the Perendale adds that extra get up and go!” Adding a new breed is challenging but Chris is seeing more demand for the Coopdales every year. “I sourced the rams from a very good hill country sheep station in Te Anau and that helps because it means they are hardy and well-adapted to life in the hills.” Lambs are tagged at birth for accurate parent- age, single sire mated, SIL recorded, Myomax tested and EMA scanned. Te Rae Genetics caters for both the maternal and terminal breeder, with good options for farmers seeking good mothering ability/ fertility and good growth as well as those with a focus on high yield. “I’ve been Myomax testing since I started. Of the 100 or so rams we tested last year, 92 per cent had that gene, [which contributes to increased meat yield]…I’m always striving to do better and increase the genetic ability of the animals so I can provide clients with the best possible animals I can.” For Chris, there is tremendous satisfaction in watching the progress of sheep raised at South Hillend, from lamb through to two-tooth, knowing that he is also contributing to his family’s sheep farming heritage. I’ve been Myomax testing since I started. Of the 100 or so rams we tested last year, 92 per cent had that gene, (which contributes to increased meat yield) … I’m always striving to do better and increase the genetic ability of the animals so I can provide clients with the best possible animals I can.” Te Rae Genetics