Omarama Station is a well balanced property with one-third flat and two-thirds steep hill country. The property is probably capable of running finer sheep but the focus is keeping the ewes at 19.5 micron to meet the Icebreaker contract specifications and to have a productive, bigger framed ewe. Out of the 180-200 bales of ewe fibre produced each year on the 12,000 hectare property, only about 20 bales aren’t directly contracted through The New Zealand Merino Company.
“We are focused on keeping in this range and are also looking for a big productive sheep that clips a good wool weight. Having a bigger framed ewe (52-58kg mature weight) gives a second product in the sheep mix - lamb. The majority of the ewe and wether hoggets are taken through the winter. Those not required as replacements are sold after shearing in October, November and December."
“Having bigger framed sheep enables us to target 19 kg carcase weights with the hoggets. We target the October to December period because that is when the lamb market has traditionally been the strongest."
“About 15% (1000 ewes) are mated to a terminal sire annually. In the past a Suffolk has been used but the lambing percentage from those ewes was less than the merino ewes."
“Now a Border Leicester is used, which should improve the percentage with more multiples and easier lambing. The male lambs will be slower to mature than the Suffolks, but there should be a good market for the first cross Border Leicester ewe lamb progeny."
“If we can get more lambs it will more than make up for the slower maturity.”
Having faith in the vision of the stud breeder you are working with is vital. The genetics of their flock need to be several years ahead of where you are at and you have to have confidence that they are moving forward in the right direction.
The stud breeder also needs to be focused on producing sound sheep in every way. The genetics they sell need to support good constitution, productivity and good fertility. Breeders also need to be focused on animal health issues.
© New Zealand Merino Stud Breeders, 2007
