| 57 Since 2010, the Lawrences have been using DNA testing to improve the breed’s resistance to footrot. While the Lawrences occasionally introduce new genetics, they primarily rely on their own bloodlines. Maheno South Suffolk stud thriving Karen Phelps For over a century, the Lawrence family has been synonymous with sheep farming excellence in North Otago. Today, Mark and Sue Lawrence continue this proud tradition at Totara Downs, their 145-hectare property located just 10 minutes south of Oamaru. The farm, which has been in the family for 104 years, is home to the renowned Maheno South Suffolk stud. “What I love about the South Suffolk breed is that they can produce a lamb that not only suits the early Christmas market but also gives farmers the option of growing lambs out further through the season if desired. This versatility has been a key factor in the breed’s popularity among farmers across New Zealand,” says Mark, a fourth- generation farmer. The Maheno Stud, established in 1994, has made significant strides in improving the breed’s characteristics: “We have been eye muscle scanning our ram lambs since the stud was established in 1994 with the emphasis on breeding a more uniform carcass.” This commitment to quality has not gone unnoticed, with the stud achieving a notable milestone in 2010. “Although we have had success and recognition at A & P shows, the biggest buzz we got was making it to the final of the now disestablished Glammies Gold Lamb Awards in 2010. We were the only South Suffolk breeder to ever make it to a final,” Mark recalls proudly. Since 2010, the Lawrences have been using DNA testing to improve the breed’s resistance to footrot, a common problem in sheep farming. This scientific approach, combined with visual assessments of foot shape, has yielded good results over the years. The stud’s breeding program sees all lambs tagged at birth and the ewes also given a rank based on various factors including udder, teats, temperament, conformation, and mothering ability. Lambs are ranked on survivability, vigour and general breed qualities. “It’s another tool we use when culling or deciding on rams to use in the stud,” Mark explains. While the Lawrences occasionally introduce new genetics, they primarily rely on their own bloodlines. “I don’t see the point of calling yourself a stud breeder if all you are doing is using another stud breeder’s genetics.”Currently Totara Downs runs 434 stud South Suffolks, alongside 550 Texel/ Romney cross ewes and 250 ewe hoggets. The farm typically produces between 70-80 South Suffolk rams for sale each year, though in peak years they have offered up to 120. As the annual ram sale approaches, typically running from MEAT & WOOL » Maheno South Suffolk November through February, Mark says the changing landscape of sheep farming in New Zealand has markedly impacted the number of rams sold. “And I don’t believe we’ve seen the end of the bloodletting in the sheep industry,” he says. Despite these challenges, the Maheno stud maintains a loyal client base stretching from Waitahuna in South Otago to Tutira in Hawke’s Bay and even the Chatham and Pit islands, where the stud’s genetics perform well in the islands’ harsh environment. Proudly supporting Maheno South Su olk Mark’s approach to ram sales is straightforward and customer-focused. “I work on the theory that if I sell them something they didn’t ask for, they won’t be back,” he says. This philosophy has helped build strong relationships with buyers, many of whom purchase rams over the phone based on trust in the Maheno stud’s quality.
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