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 tolerance to facial eczema and worms.

In this episode, stud breeder Marcus Hildreth joins Jo Scott to discuss how genetics, data, and emerging tools such as AI are helping lift flock performance. He also shares insights on the growing interest in Wiltshires; why he’s keeping the breed pure, and how technology and time remain the most powerful drivers of genetic progress.

 

Guest:
Marcus Hildreth, Stud Breeder, Hildreth Romneys

Host:
Jo Scott, Genetic Specialist, Targeted Breeding

 

Marcus Hildreth is the third generation behind Hildreth Romneys, a family run Hawke’s Bay stud with more than 60 years of breeding history. From their hill country property, the Hildreths are focused on producing reliable, resilient Romneys that perform under pressure while tackling industry challenges like facial eczema and worm burden through genetics rather than management alone.

Marcus explains how the stud’s breeding priorities have evolved to balance fertility, survival and growth with traits for parasite resistance, and how new tools from SIL data to AI assisted analysis are helping identify top performers faster. He also shares why he’s expanding into Wiltshires; the growing demand for low input sheep, and why steady, measurable genetic progress built on quality and time remains the foundation of the stud’s success.

 

Find out more about Hildreth Romneys on 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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Hildreth Romneys is a multigenerational Hawke&rsquo;s Bay stud focused on breeding resilient, productive sheep suited to New Zealand&rsquo;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 tolerance to facial eczema and worms.
In this episode, stud breeder Marcus Hildreth joins Jo Scott to discuss how genetics, data, and emerging tools such as AI are helping lift flock performance. He also shares insights on the growing interest in Wiltshires; why he&rsquo;s keeping the breed pure, and how technology and time remain the most powerful drivers of genetic progress.
&nbsp;
Guest:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Marcus Hildreth, Stud Breeder, Hildreth Romneys</li>
</ul>
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Jo Scott, Genetic Specialist, Targeted Breeding</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Marcus Hildreth is the third generation behind Hildreth Romneys, a family run Hawke&rsquo;s Bay stud with more than 60 years of breeding history. From their hill country property, the Hildreths are focused on producing reliable, resilient Romneys that perform under pressure while tackling industry challenges like facial eczema and worm burden through genetics rather than management alone.
Marcus explains how the stud&rsquo;s breeding priorities have evolved to balance fertility, survival and growth with traits for parasite resistance, and how new tools from SIL data to AI assisted analysis are helping identify top performers faster. He also shares why he&rsquo;s expanding into Wiltshires; the growing demand for low input sheep, and why steady, measurable genetic progress built on quality and time remains the foundation of the stud&rsquo;s success.
&nbsp;
Find out more about Hildreth Romneys on their website <a href="https://hildrethromneys.co.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>

Episode 6 - Hildreth Romneys: Breeding Strength

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 spokesperson Kate Broadbent joins Jo Scott to explain how genetics, collaboration and farmer education are reshaping parasite management. She outlines the difference between resistance and resilience, why measuring matters, and what commercial farmers should be asking their ram breeders if they want to future-proof productivity, animal health and drench effectiveness.

 

Guest:
Kate Broadbent, WormFec Gold

Host:
Jo Scott, Genetic Specialist, Targeted Breeding

 

Kate Broadbent is a long-time breeder from western Waikato and a driving force behind WormFec Gold, a group uniting sheep breeders who are recording and selecting for genetic resistance to internal parasites. She explains how the group is helping shift the industry from relying on drenches to building naturally resilient flocks, with breeders working together to lift standards, share data and protect the future effectiveness of parasite control tools.

Kate discusses how the focus has moved from simply reducing faecal egg counts to combining resistance, resilience, growth and dag reduction in the same animals. She highlights why measuring and culling are non-negotiable, how commercial farmers can identify genuine progress in ram lines, and why genetics needs to work alongside on-farm management if farmers want long-term productivity, lower inputs and healthier sheep.

 

Find out more about WormFec Gold 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/ 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAIL

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 spokesperson Kate Broadbent joins Jo Scott to explain how genetics, collaboration and farmer education are reshaping parasite management. She outlines the difference between resistance and resilience, why measuring matters, and what commercial farmers should be asking their ram breeders if they want to future-proof productivity, animal health and drench effectiveness.
&nbsp;
Guest:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Kate Broadbent, WormFec Gold</li>
</ul>
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Jo Scott, Genetic Specialist, Targeted Breeding</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Kate Broadbent is a long-time breeder from western Waikato and a driving force behind WormFec Gold, a group uniting sheep breeders who are recording and selecting for genetic resistance to internal parasites. She explains how the group is helping shift the industry from relying on drenches to building naturally resilient flocks, with breeders working together to lift standards, share data and protect the future effectiveness of parasite control tools.
Kate discusses how the focus has moved from simply reducing faecal egg counts to combining resistance, resilience, growth and dag reduction in the same animals. She highlights why measuring and culling are non-negotiable, how commercial farmers can identify genuine progress in ram lines, and why genetics needs to work alongside on-farm management if farmers want long-term productivity, lower inputs and healthier sheep.
&nbsp;
Find out more about WormFec Gold at their website <a href="https://wormfecgold.co.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>

Episode 5 - WormFEC Gold: Smarter Breeding

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/ 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAIL

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>

Episode 4 - Headwaters: Driving lamb innovation

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 Scott to discuss how a collective of breeders is driving genetic progress for shedding sheep across New Zealand. He explains how the group’s collaboration, sharing data, genetics and ideas, is helping to lift performance and reliability in this fast growing sector.

Guest:
Daniel Wheeler, Group Manager, Shedding Sheep Improvement Group

Host:
Jo Scott, Genetic Specialist, Targeted Breeding

 

Daniel Wheeler leads the Shedding Sheep Improvement Group, a nationwide collective of breeders working to advance genetics and performance in shedding sheep. Formed in 2022, the group focuses on collaboration, data sharing and linkage to strengthen breeding programmes and accelerate genetic gain across different shedding breeds.

Daniel explains how the shift towards shedding sheep is helping farmers cut workload and improve efficiency, while maintaining strong production and adaptability. He highlights the value of recorded genetics, careful ram selection and cooperation between breeders to deliver reliable, low-input sheep that perform in New Zealand conditions.

 

Learn more in the latest issue of SHEEP Country 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/ 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE INSIDER WEEKLY EMAIL

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 Scott to discuss how a collective of breeders is driving genetic progress for shedding sheep across New Zealand. He explains how the group&rsquo;s collaboration, sharing data, genetics and ideas, is helping to lift performance and reliability in this fast growing sector.
Guest:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Daniel Wheeler, Group Manager, Shedding Sheep Improvement Group</li>
</ul>
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Jo Scott, Genetic Specialist, Targeted Breeding</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Daniel Wheeler leads the Shedding Sheep Improvement Group, a nationwide collective of breeders working to advance genetics and performance in shedding sheep. Formed in 2022, the group focuses on collaboration, data sharing and linkage to strengthen breeding programmes and accelerate genetic gain across different shedding breeds.
Daniel explains how the shift towards shedding sheep is helping farmers cut workload and improve efficiency, while maintaining strong production and adaptability. He highlights the value of recorded genetics, careful ram selection and cooperation between breeders to deliver reliable, low-input sheep that perform in New Zealand conditions.
&nbsp;
Learn more in the latest issue of SHEEP Country <a href="https://country-wide.co.nz/sheep-country-2025/">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>

Episode 3 - Shedding sheep, shared progress

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>

Episode 2 - Romani Farms: Breeding for resilience

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 savings, genetic progress, and the opportunities they see for building more resilient and profitable sheep systems.

Guests:
Sara, Andrew and Guy Heard, Waitohi Peaks

Host:
Jo Scott, Genetic Specialist, Targeted Breeding

 

Andrew, Sara and Guy Heard are building a resilient sheep farming operation at Waitohi Peaks in North Canterbury. After years in large-scale organic farming, they’ve focused their stud and commercial flocks on shedding composites, valuing their low-input advantages, cost-savings and adaptability to hill country conditions.

They share insights into the practicalities of transitioning to shedding sheep, from genetic progress and resilience to facial eczema and parasite tolerance, through to workload savings and profitability. The Heards also talk about the importance of recorded genetics, collaboration with other breeders, and their vision for developing robust, profitable sheep that make farming easier and more sustainable.

 

Contact the Heards to find out more here:

Email: waitohipeaks@gmail.com

Phone: Guy - 027 774 2553  Andrew - 021 272 7522

 

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

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 savings, genetic progress, and the opportunities they see for building more resilient and profitable sheep systems.
Guests:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Sara, Andrew and Guy Heard, Waitohi Peaks</li>
</ul>
Host:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Jo Scott, Genetic Specialist, Targeted Breeding</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Andrew, Sara and Guy Heard are building a resilient sheep farming operation at Waitohi Peaks in North Canterbury. After years in large-scale organic farming, they&rsquo;ve focused their stud and commercial flocks on shedding composites, valuing their low-input advantages, cost-savings and adaptability to hill country conditions.
They share insights into the practicalities of transitioning to shedding sheep, from genetic progress and resilience to facial eczema and parasite tolerance, through to workload savings and profitability. The Heards also talk about the importance of recorded genetics, collaboration with other breeders, and their vision for developing robust, profitable sheep that make farming easier and more sustainable.
&nbsp;
Contact the Heards to find out more here:
Email: waitohipeaks@gmail.com
Phone: Guy - 027 774 2553&nbsp; Andrew - 021 272 7522
&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>

Episode 1 - Waitohi Peaks: Shedding composites advantage

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.

SHEEP Country

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