56 | Focus on high-performing genetics Karen Phelps Spring Creek Downs is continuing to invest in the future of sheep and beef farming, achieving NZFAP Plus Silver status and maintaining its focus on high-performing genetics through its Dorset Down and Southdown studs. The North Canterbury property, owned and operated by Andrew, Hailey and Dave Gillespie, has gained the farm assurance certification as part of its commitment to meeting increasing expectations around animal welfare, environmental management, biosecurity and traceability. “It shows we are operating in a way overseas companies expect and that we are looking after both sheep and the environment,” says Hailey. “The certification has required us to put additional procedures and documentation in place to demonstrate compliance across the business.” The 168ha property near Oxford buys in lambs and calves for finishing with the aim to finish about 2000 lambs a year and around 110 cattle. The studs are also at the heart of the couple’s business. The Dorset Down stud was established by Andrew and Hailey five years ago after purchasing 40 ewes from Colin and Liz Smith when they dispersed their long-running Bankhead stud. A further 45 ewes were purchased from Alistair and Christine Busch’s Trackly Stud in Ashburton, bringing the Dorset Down flock to about 90 ewes. The Dorset Down stud, run alongside Andrew’s uncle Dave Gillespie’s Southdown stud Midlands, has grown to around 160 ewes, with Spring Creek Downs helping manage the flock and market its rams. The Dorset Down and Southdown genetics are focused on producing efficient, fast-growing lambs with strong muscling. Andrew says the distinctive black faces of the Dorset Downs are also proving increasingly valuable for farmers looking for practical advantages. “The Dorset Downs are increasingly popular with a younger generation of farmers because the black faces make drafting lambs a much simpler task - there’s no need to go clambering through the race marking the ones you want to go,” he says. However, the wider sheep industry is facing significant challenges, particularly in Canterbury where sheep numbers have declined as more land has moved into dairy production. “We’ve definitely seen people who run studs drop and no new people coming in,” says Hailey. “It’s sad to not see young people going into sheep studs, but it’s understandable as well.” Spring Creek Downs has continued developing its genetics despite the uncertainty, preparing for when farmers are ready to invest again. “For us it’s more of an expensive hobby and a way to carry on the family tradition. It has sentimental RURAL PEOPLE » Spring Creek Downs “We’ve definitely seen people who run studs drop and no new people coming in,” says Hailey. “It’s sad to not see young people going into sheep studs, but it’s understandable as well.” value for us,” says Hailey. “But with the increase in meat and wool prices that’s definitely been a positive. Two years ago it cost us more to shear than what we got back from selling the wool. Now it’s covering its costs plus some. We’re hoping that hill country farms that still run sheep and beef, as commodity prices have increased, will look to invest in good rams again.” “In the past three to four years it’s certainly been tough for farmers so buying in rams hasn’t been a priority,” adds Andrew. “Considering farmers are now getting $260 for a lamb at the works, investing in good genetics again should be a no-brainer.” Aaron Leckie - 0274 730 808 Proud to work alongside Spring Creek Downs www.rurallivestock.co.nz 6 Blake St, Rangiora PH: 03 313 7824 team@prosser-quirke.co.nz www.prosser-quirke.co.nz Proud to be associated with Spring Creek Downs Personal & Professional Service, Farm, Commercial & Business Accountancy, Taxation Advice, Financial Returns Dar eld Oxford 03 318 8516 03 312 4016 www.frewstransport.co.nz • GENERAL FREIGHT • STOCK• LIME & FERTILISER • GRAIN • LOG CARTAGE • BLOWER TRUCK The Dorset Down stud was established by Andrew and Hailey five years ago.
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