| 17 The following decade witnessed remarkable growth. Australian importations continued throughout the 1960s and by 1970 registered flocks had surged to 102. RURAL PEOPLE » Dorset Downs 75th Breed Anniversary “Many breeders continue selling flock rams to clients they’ve served for over thirty years, satisfied customers representing the finest breed testimonial possible.” Marlborough, Otago and Southland demonstrating nationwide acceptance. The following decade witnessed remarkable growth. Australian importations continued throughout the 1960s and by 1970 registered flocks had surged to 102. Today forty registered flocks exist from north to south, east to west across the country. “The Dorset Down had clearly established itself against competing prime lamb breeds,” says Steve. “Some remain within the same families after decades while retiring vendors have sold to enthusiastic young breeders eager to master what many consider the king of meat breeds. The breed’s genetic traits have improved substantially over 75 years, adapting to New Zealand’s diverse climatic farming conditions. Flat country is how the breed would have started in New Zealand and now it’s had to adapt to tougher country as that land has moved from sheep farming.” He says current market demands align perfectly with Dorset Down strengths. “Terminal crossing produces prime export lambs with rapid growth rates, high yields and lean meaty carcasses. The breed converts grass to lean meat with exceptional efficiency, producing animals that draft well across the entire weight range with preferred GR measurements of 10 millimetres or less.” He says progressive breeders have recorded growth rates and skilfully incorporated these figures into breeding programmes, proving the breed’s superiority for length and leanness with Lincoln University maintaining a Dorset Down stud flock for ongoing research into lean lamb production. Steve says the Dorset Down’s reputation extends beyond New Zealand borders. Between the 1980s and 2000s, New Zealand-bred ewes and rams were exported to Australia, Bangladesh, China and back to Britain, complementing animals bred in those countries. Decades of local breeding developed the original type into sheep worthy of export back to its country of origin. “Many breeders continue selling flock rams to clients they’ve served for over thirty years, satisfied customers representing the finest breed testimonial possible. Despite upheavals and changes in farming over time, this loyalty speaks volumes about the breed’s consistent performance.” Steve says that breeders form a close-knit community, gathering for annual field days, tours and social events at different venues nationwide. This year, members toured North Canterbury properties in April with the North Island scheduled for 2026. “As sheep farming faces increasing pressure from land-use transitions and substantially dropping national flock numbers a core base of breeders and genetic bloodstock ensures the Dorset Down’s future remains secure, representing the fast- growing, meat-yielding breed that arrived 75 years ago and is still alive and well in New Zealand.” OU R DOR S E T DOWN R AMS W I L L PROV I DE : - Genetics with exceptional growth - Well muscled and great eating lambs - Strong lambs with thick skin that survive and thrive - Good framed lambs to pack lots of meat on Our ock is accredited brucellosis free and all rams are palpated and vetted prior to sale. Willy Philip 102 Laws Road, Dannevirke 027 450 9398 06 374 8857 anui@xtra.co.nz George Philip 923 Mangatuna Road, Dannevirke 027 306 2369 06 374 2861 gwphilip@hotmail.com
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