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, structural soundness, and low-input performance. He reflects on their progress, the transition to maintenance-free Wiltshires, and how balancing data with practicality has produced robust, high-performing sheep suited to real-world farming conditions.

Guest:
Ross Richards, Romani Farms

Host:
Jo Scott, Genetic Specialist, Targeted Breeding

 

Ross and Ruth Richards are developing high-performing sheep at Romani Farms in Taumarunui, North Island. Drawing on decades of breeding experience, they focus on flocks that thrive in challenging hill country conditions while delivering strong productivity and low-input efficiency.

They share insights into running dual-purpose flocks, including Coopworths and Wiltshire sheep, emphasising structural soundness, disease resistance, and lamb performance. Ross highlights the importance of recorded genetics, rigorous culling, and collaboration with other breeders, as well as using tools like Te Pari VetMarker to make management more efficient. Their approach combines profitability, sustainability, and animal welfare, producing flocks that are easier to manage and well-suited to their environment.

 

Contact Romani Coopworth to find out more here:

Email: Romani@farmside.co.nz

Phone: 078957144

 

Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/ 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAIL

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, structural soundness, and low-input performance. He reflects on their progress, the transition to maintenance-free Wiltshires, and how balancing data with practicality has produced robust, high-performing sheep suited to real-world farming conditions.
Guest:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ross Richards, Romani Farms</li>
</ul>
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Jo Scott, Genetic Specialist, Targeted Breeding</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Ross and Ruth Richards are developing high-performing sheep at Romani Farms in Taumarunui, North Island. Drawing on decades of breeding experience, they focus on flocks that thrive in challenging hill country conditions while delivering strong productivity and low-input efficiency.
They share insights into running dual-purpose flocks, including Coopworths and Wiltshire sheep, emphasising structural soundness, disease resistance, and lamb performance. Ross highlights the importance of recorded genetics, rigorous culling, and collaboration with other breeders, as well as using tools like Te Pari VetMarker to make management more efficient. Their approach combines profitability, sustainability, and animal welfare, producing flocks that are easier to manage and well-suited to their environment.
&nbsp;
Contact Romani Coopworth to find out more here:
Email: Romani@farmside.co.nz
Phone: 078957144
&nbsp;
Become a CountryWide Club member for $89/year for six seasonal magazines including free postage (New Zealand only) annually:<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/"> https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/sign-up/">SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAIL</a>

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 knowledge from behind and beyond the farm gate.

SHEEP Country is produced by the Proud Country Network, owned by CountryWide Media, and complements the annual SHEEP Country magazine released every year in September.

SHEEP Country, hosted by genetics specialist Jo Scott, brings you New Zealand&rsquo;s most inspiring stories and technical insights with the aim of breeding and farming the world&rsquo;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 knowledge from behind and beyond the farm gate.
SHEEP Country is produced by the Proud Country Network, owned by CountryWide Media, and complements the annual SHEEP Country magazine released every year in September.

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