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 Steve Brown and Breeding Manager Tara Dwyer join Jo Scott to discuss how genetics, collaboration, and market connection are driving value across the Lumina supply chain. They explain how a science-based approach and close farmer–chef relationships are building both a stronger breed and a trusted premium brand.

Guests:
Steve Brown, CEO, Headwaters
Tara Dwyer, Breeding Manager, Headwaters

Host:
Jo Scott, Genetic Specialist, Targeted Breeding

 

Steve Brown leads Headwaters, the company behind the Lumina Lamb brand, a collaborative partnership linking farmers, processors and chefs to deliver a consistent, high-quality product. He explains how the Headwaters model rewards commitment and trust, with farmers sharing in the value created through premium pricing and long-term relationships with Alliance Group.

Steve discusses how the business has evolved from a breeding initiative into a fully integrated value chain built on transparency, feedback and performance. He highlights the importance of communication, data and shared purpose in maintaining quality and driving growth for both the brand and the farmers who supply it.

 

Tara Dwyer manages the breeding programme at Headwaters, overseeing the genetics that underpin the Lumina Lamb brand. She explains that careful selection and data-driven breeding have created a resilient, dual-purpose sheep that performs across a wide range of New Zealand farms.

Tara highlights the importance of aligning genetics with management, finishing systems and nutrition to deliver both on-farm performance and premium eating quality. She also discusses the value of support, collaboration and knowledge sharing within the Headwaters farmer community to ensure continuous improvement and long-term success.

 

Find out more about Headwaters at their website here.

 

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/ 

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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 Steve Brown and Breeding Manager Tara Dwyer join Jo Scott to discuss how genetics, collaboration, and market connection are driving value across the Lumina supply chain. They explain how a science-based approach and close farmer&ndash;chef relationships are building both a stronger breed and a trusted premium brand.
Guests:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Steve Brown, CEO, Headwaters</li>
<li aria-level="1">Tara Dwyer, Breeding Manager, Headwaters</li>
</ol>
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Jo Scott, Genetic Specialist, Targeted Breeding</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Steve Brown leads Headwaters, the company behind the Lumina Lamb brand, a collaborative partnership linking farmers, processors and chefs to deliver a consistent, high-quality product. He explains how the Headwaters model rewards commitment and trust, with farmers sharing in the value created through premium pricing and long-term relationships with Alliance Group.
Steve discusses how the business has evolved from a breeding initiative into a fully integrated value chain built on transparency, feedback and performance. He highlights the importance of communication, data and shared purpose in maintaining quality and driving growth for both the brand and the farmers who supply it.
&nbsp;
Tara Dwyer manages the breeding programme at Headwaters, overseeing the genetics that underpin the Lumina Lamb brand. She explains that careful selection and data-driven breeding have created a resilient, dual-purpose sheep that performs across a wide range of New Zealand farms.
Tara highlights the importance of aligning genetics with management, finishing systems and nutrition to deliver both on-farm performance and premium eating quality. She also discusses the value of support, collaboration and knowledge sharing within the Headwaters farmer community to ensure continuous improvement and long-term success.
&nbsp;
Find out more about Headwaters at their website <a href="https://www.headwaters.nz/">here</a>.
&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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