46 | “We aim to combine traits that are required for profitable sheep businesses: fleece quality and quantity, fertility, growth and robustness.” Genetics proven to weather tough conditions Mark and Joanne Stevenson farm 920ha near Cheviot, running 1,000 stud ewes, 1,600 commercial ewes and 1,700 hoggets. Anne Boswell MEAT & WOOL » The Gums Partnership Genetics that have been proven to weather tough conditions on their own farm will be part of The Gums’ annual ram sale in January. Mark and Joanne Stevenson farm 920ha near Cheviot, North Canterbury running 1,000 stud ewes, 1,600 commercial ewes and 1,700 hoggets, with the commercial flock going to a terminal sire. They also manage five studs of Dorset Down, South Dorset, Poll Merino, Quarterbred and Halfbred sheep. For the last two years, their annual sale has been split into a Terminal Ram Sale, and a Fine Wool Sale. However, the sale will be re-combined in 2025 to make the experience more streamlined for clients: on January 15, approximately 200 rams in total will go under the hammer, 60 of which will be terminal rams. Mark Stevenson says it has pleasing to note their stock’s consistent performance during a very tough, dry season. “We’ve maintained production, met all our wool contract specifications and grown all hoggets to a good weight,” Mark says. “This proves the repeatability of our genetics and our farming system.” Mark says good genetics provides a bit of a buffer when times are tough. “There are good seasons and bad seasons and having good genetics can help minimise the effects of a bad season,” he says. “This is where we are basing our genetics.” In the Terminal Ram Sale, Dorset and South Dorset rams will be up for sale, breeds that produce growthy, fast maturing and prime lambs. “The speed to the finish line is critical to the profitability of prime lamb breeding and finishing enterprises,” Mark says. “Fast finishing lambs decrease exposure to climatic and market conditions.” And in the Fine Wool Sale, Poll Merino, Quarterbred and Halfbred rams will be up for sale. Poll Merino rams offer a good carcass and constitution along with wool quality and quantity that a modern merino must maintain, while Quarterbred and Halfbreds are focused on driving profitability. “We aim to combine traits that are required for profitable sheep businesses: fleece quality and quantity, fertility, growth and robustness,” Mark says. In addition to meeting strategic traits, Mark says equally they continue to address the animal health pain points that farmers experience; The Gums continues to offer genetics with footrot and worm resistance. GUMS THE STEVENSON GENETICS The Gums, Cheviot www.thegums.nz Mark Stevenson Ph 022 087 5818 mark.stevie@gmail.com Dorset Down - South Dorset Poll Merino - Quarterbred - Halfbred Ram Sale 2025 Wednesday 15th January • LIVESTOCK CARTAGE • GENERAL FREIGHT • BULK & FERTILISER 99 Ward Rd, Cheviot 7310 03 319 8644 | 0276 776 787 “Over time we have proven through the New Zealand Merino progeny tests that we are at the leading edge of these traits,” Mark says. He says the sheep they aim to breed must operate as the “engine room” of a profitable, resilient and enjoyable farm business. “We look to breed a robust type of sheep that can handle tough going conditions, including economic conditions and environmental conditions,” he says. “Our genetics must position our clients to increase productivity while cutting costs.” Mark and Joanne are supported on farm by shepherd Emma Ashworth, and receive regular, additional help and input from Mark’s father Ian. The Gums supports a charitable organisation every year at their sale. This year, the charity being supported is the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, in honour of the great service they provide rural New Zealand.
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