Long term relationship to identify appropriate bloodstock guiding bull and ram selections for large King Country sheep and beef enterprise.

Farmers increasingly recognise the need for a sound and factually based genetics programme to underpin their stud purchases and maximise revenue.

Callum Stewart, PGG Wrightson Livestock Genetics national manager says such a programme needs to rest on knowledge of a farm’s characteristics and the ability to match those to the most appropriate genetics.

“A breeding programme might deliver good results, though that can always be improved, or taken in a new direction in response to market trends. An effective breeding programme will focus on rectifying any flaws in the herd or flock, identifying what needs improving, and refining so the programme best addresses the needs of the topography, the climate and farming system of a particular farm,” he says.

Ian Valler manages a sheep and beef breeding and fattening farm that winters up to 31,000 stock units at Te Hape in the King Country, working for Te Hape B Trust and Tiroa E Trust, which holds a series of neighbouring properties, ultimately under the ownership of more than 900 shareholders affiliated to the Manaiapoto Rereahu iwi. When selecting bulls and rams Te Hape B and Tiroa E Trust farms utilise the advice of PGG Wrightson Livestock Genetics, as Ian explains.

“Callum has worked alongside us for more than 15 years. He has a clear understanding of what we need our breeding programmes to deliver. Our relationship operates on openness and trust. We communicate frequently and the PGG Wrightson team has a bit of scope: whatever we ask for, they will find someone who can provide it for us. We support them, and they definitely support us.

“What we have done on the genetics side of the farm has developed because of the relationship we have with Callum and PGG Wrightson, and continues to develop as time goes on. Relationships take time and effort from both parties, though in farming the good ones can help to create substantial value in your business. This is certainly one of those relationships.

“We make decisions about our breeding programme together, after detailed discussions on farm. We all try to look at the situation objectively. PGG Wrightson doesn’t have ties to anyone, which makes their advice and recommendations unbiased, providing us with a trust relationship we can rely on,” says Ian.