36 | Terminal sire selection is the key He believes the Suftex breed has emerged as New Zealand’s dominant terminal sire choice. Karen Phelps MEAT & WOOL » Martin Suftex Rams With lamb prices lifting and expected to remain strong, Canterbury sheep breeder Guy Martin believes farmers must think more strategically about terminal sire selection to maximise returns from their breeding programmes. Martin Suftex, based in Greenpark near Lincoln, has built a reputation for producing dark, meaty rams that help commercial farmers capture premium prices while delivering the hybrid vigour essential for profitable lamb production. “Now the lamb price has risen it’s even more important farmers get the best out of their ewes and get a high percentage of ewes to a terminal sire. It’s about paying attention to using good terminals with meat on so they can capture that and the hybrid vigour and make some decent money,” he explains. He believes the Suftex breed has emerged as New Zealand’s dominant terminal sire choice, overtaking traditional breeds due to its proven track record and commercial relevance. “Suftex have really cemented themselves as a good all round export lamb sire and seem to last a long time compared to some of the other breeds. They probably have kept their place as the number one terminal sire for Kiwi farmers looking to add meat, vigour and muscle,” says Guy. What sets Martin Suftex apart in an increasingly crowded market is the stud’s commitment to breeding true 50:50 Suffolk-Texel crosses, providing consistency that commercial farmers can rely on. Unlike many Suftex operations that vary their breed percentages, Martin Suftex maintains strict breeding protocols to ensure predictable results. “People like their terminal sire lambs to be identifiable. People know what they are getting with a Martin Suftex and they do tend to breed darker and truer than a first cross,” explains Guy. This consistency has proven commercially valuable, with Martin Suftex rams distributed from Gisborne and Waikato in the north to Te Anau and the Catlins in the south with approximately 260 rams sold annually through private treaty sales beginning in early November. Surplus ewe hoggets are also in strong demand from eight other studs across both islands over the past eight years. The operation runs approximately 465 ewes and 100 in-lamb ewe hoggets across 44 hectares of owned land plus 80-120 hectares of leased ground annually. Guy’s approach includes limiting breeding periods - just 17 days for hoggets and 30 days for ewes - to ensure tight lambing patterns. Greenpark’s challenging winter conditions, with prolonged wet periods, provide natural selection pressure that has resulted in exceptionally sound-footed stock. This practical benefit translates directly to commercial value for farmers dealing with similar conditions. Longevity represents another significant advantage, with Martin Suftex clients reporting rams born in 2015 still active. The stud’s focus on SIL recording “I’ve worked diligently at getting some good numbers behind my sheep but without compromising type and longevity.” Fully SIL recorded. Available for sale at the beginning of November. Guy & Fi Martin - 219 Carters Rd, Lincoln | 027 538 3741 | guy@icl.org.nz TOUGH, SOUND, MEATY, TERMINAL RAMS THAT LAST. www.timcoombsdeerandstock.co.nz • Office: 027 555 1118 P: 027 444 1937 • E: coombs@vetta.net.nz Proud to support Martin Suftex Rams i Healthy pasture starts with healthy soil. Functional Fertiliser’s CalciZest and DoloZest builds humus, boosts clover growth, and supports animal health and farm profitability. It’s not just fertiliser — it’s farming that works. GIVE US A CALL 0800 843 809 Brett 027 257 1343 | admin@functionalfertiliser.co.nz functionalfertiliser.co.nz has enabled continuous genetic improvement, with terminal worth values increasing markedly since joining the programme. “I’ve worked diligently at getting some good numbers behind my sheep but without compromising type and longevity,” explains Guy. Operating alongside the stud, Guy and wife Fi run Livestock Confirmation Ltd, providing genetic consulting services to breeders across New Zealand and Australia. This broader industry involvement keeps them connected to the realities of commercial farmers and emerging trends.
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