SHEEP Country
SHEEP Country
SHEEP Country, hosted by genetics specialist Jo Scott, brings you New Zealand’s most inspiring stories and technical insights with the aim of breeding and farming the world’s best sheep. Jo speaks with stud breeders, commercial farmers and industry leaders across the value chain, from genetic innovation and animal health through to wool, meat marketing and farm systems, arming you with the best k…Social links:
Episode 6 - Hildreth Romneys: Breeding Strength
Hildreth Romneys is a multigenerational Hawke’s Bay stud focused on breeding resilient, productive sheep suited to New Zealand’s diverse conditions. With more than 60 years of Romney breeding behind them, the Hildreth family continues to prioritise key traits like fertility, survival, growth, and t…
17:51
Episode 5 - WormFEC Gold: Smarter Breeding
WormFec Gold is a national breeder group working to combat drench resistance by selecting sheep with genetics for lower faecal egg counts, cleaner back ends and strong growth, helping farmers reduce drench use while maintaining performance. In this episode, Waikato breeder and WormFec Gold spokesp…
25:36
Episode 4 - Headwaters: Driving lamb innovation
Headwaters is a producer group that supplies premium New Zealand lamb through their own brand Lumina Lamb. The 95 farmers in joint venture with Alliance Group breed sheep that deliver genetics, performance, and premium eating quality from hill country to plate. In this episode, Headwaters CEO Stev…
31:52
Episode 3 - Shedding sheep, shared progress
A shared drive to improve genetics is at the heart of the Shedding Sheep Improvement Group, where breeders nationwide are working together to lift performance and reduce workload in shedding sheep. In this episode, Daniel Wheeler, Group Manager of the Shedding Sheep Improvement Group, joins Jo Sco…
21:49
Episode 2 - Romani Farms: Breeding for resilience
A focus on dual-purpose genetics is at the heart of Romani Farms, where Ross and Ruth Richards run 700 hectares in the King Country. In this episode, Jo Scott talks with Ross about breeding resilient Coopworth and Wiltshire flocks built on decades of selection for facial eczema and worm tolerance,…
31:39
Episode 1 - Waitohi Peaks: Shedding composites advantage
Focusing on shedding composites has reshaped farming at Waitohi Peaks, where Andrew, Sara, Digby and Guy Heard run both stud and commercial flocks in North Canterbury hill country. In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with the Heards about their shift to shedding composites, the workload and cost savi…
26:24