52 | Celebrating 5 decades of proven genetics All rams are eye muscle scanned, and performance traits are meticulously recorded. Anne Boswell MEAT & WOOL » Waikoura Coopworth Stud In early 2026, a new line-up of elite Coopworth rams will be available to New Zealand sheep farmers - representing over five decades of selective breeding at Waikoura Coopworth Stud. Situated on the fertile Waitaki Plains north west of Oamaru, Allyson and John Lee’s 200-hectare property is home to 1,200 breeding animals, including a robust commercial flock and the highly regarded Waikoura Coopworth Stud. The Lees have built a reputation for producing high-performing sheep under genuine commercial conditions, combining practical farming with cutting-edge genetic tools. “Our flock is recorded with Sheep Improvement Ltd (SIL), and we farm under the same pressures as other commercial operators,” Allyson says. “It keeps our sheep honest.” The Coopworth breed was first introduced to New Zealand in the 1970s, developed at Lincoln University to address low lambing rates. The Waikoura stud began around the same time, and the Lees have been part of the Coopworth story ever since. “Coopworths were designed to boost lambing percentages, combining mothering ability, meat yield and resilience,” Allyson says. While wool was once a key driver for the breed, changing markets have shifted focus. However, with growing demand for natural and sustainable fibres, Allyson believes wool may be on the cusp of a revival. Every year, Waikoura injects fresh genetics into the stud, selecting top-performing sires from around the country. All rams are eye muscle scanned, and performance traits are meticulously recorded. “Our aim is to breed the ultimate low-input, high-output ram,” Allyson says. “They need to be hardy, functional, and capable of thriving in commercial systems.” Coopworth ewes are known for their maternal instincts, producing singles, twins or triplets with ease. Their strong constitution, parasite resistance and disease tolerance make them a smart choice for reducing ewe losses and lifting overall flock productivity. Moderate in size but powerful in impact, they are often referred to as the “engine room” of the flock. Coopworth rams, too, are standing out on national tests. They’ve performed well in the Beef + Lamb NZ Low Input Progeny Test, showing reduced dag scores, strong resistance to parasites and low Faecal Egg Counts (FEC) - all without compromising growth and meat traits. From January 2026, Waikoura’s latest cohort of stud rams will be available for purchase. The Lees are keen to welcome both returning and new buyers to their North Otago farm. “Even after 50 years, we’re still producing top-tier rams with full SIL records,” Allyson says. “Farmers are welcome to visit, see the sheep for themselves, and find animals that suit their Ph: 03 687 4790 www.mainfert.co.nz Mainfert, Turning knowledge into action to build stronger farms Proud to support Waikoura Coopworth Stud with better nutrient solutions. system.” To stay updated, follow Waikoura Coopworth Stud on Facebook: @WaikouraCoopworthStudNorthOtago or contact John on 027 240 7544.
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