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30 September 2021
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Breeding and Genetics

Mt. Guardian Perendale Stud

The Anderson family has lived on Kalimera, a picturesque 930 hectare farm located in Conway Flat, North Canterbury, since 1945.  Tim and Sue are the third generation on the farm and the second generation to run the Perendale stud, which was established by Tim’s father.  Their son, Edward (Woody) and his wife Sophie are in the process of becoming the fourth generation.

Mt. Guardian Perendale Stud has been performance recording since the mid-1960s, and their long tenure in breeding is demonstrated by being the second longest standing member on the SIL (Sheep Improvement Limited) database.  Although the Andersons predominantly run Perendales, they also farm Romdales, Coopdales, and Suffolk/Beltex; along with 60 cows, plus replacement heifers for pasture management.

Selling stud rams is an incredibly competitive business with clients primarily requiring fertility, meat, growth, and survival traits.  Woody explains, “our stud point of difference is our 30 years’ experience of hands-on ram breeding and all rams are DNA recorded, allowing us to get parentage on all of our progeny.  This means we can run them out on the hill rather than in small stud paddocks.  This year we invested in a high resistant facial eczema ram, to introduce this trait into our sheep.

Part of the Anderson’s success is due to their close personal relationships with their clients, “the continuation and longevity of the stud is being able to keep those close ties going and we always try to communicate with our clients throughout the year to see how the rams have gone” says Tim.

Being ecology conscious, the Andersons have recently gifted 200 hectares to the QEII National Trust to ensure this landscape and biodiversity is protected in perpetuity.  They have installed six kilometres of deer fencing and are currently working to eradicate pests to protect this special area.

The Anderson’s relationship with PGW dates back more than 60 years to Tim’s grandfather.  Tim recounts “we have a long steeped history dealing with PGW since the 1950s, when it was Pyne Gould Guinness.  Humphrey Gould and co used to come up and visit us on the farm.

The Andersons deal with PGW representatives nationally.  PGW Genetics helped the Andersons set up a successful breeding joint venture with a Wairarapa based Romney stud, where opposite sex hoggets are mated from each farm.

North Canterbury based PGW Livestock Representative, Nic Denton has worked with the Andersons for 15 years.  “The Andersons are a pleasure to work with, their loyalty and honesty is second to none. I have really enjoyed working with Tim and Sue, and in the last few years dealing more and more with Woody.  They have become much more than just customers.

We have been very lucky with all our agents,” says Tim, “but Nic’s been exceptional.  He has a particularly good way with people which is vitally important, and he takes an interest in our sheep.  I can always tell when he’s had a good day selling through Canterbury Park by the tone of his voice on the phone.

We also have a good rapport with Simon Luoni (PGW Livestock Representative, based in Taihape, Manawatu-Wanganui).  Simon does a lot for us in the North Island and brings his clients down to choose rams.

We also utilise Simon Eddington (PGW Genetics Representative, based in Canterbury), he’s a good fella doing a good job.

Regardless of the depressed strong wool prices at present the Andersons continue to test for desirable wool traits of curvature, micron fineness, and coarse edge with their sale rams, as many clients are still selecting for good wool traits in their wool.  PGW Wool Representative, Peter McCusker has been involved with marketing the Kalimera wool clip for over 30 years.  Peter concludes “I enjoy catching up with Tim and Woody at shearing and have awarded the Andersons numerous wool ribbons at shows and events over the years.  The Anderson family has always been passionate about their wool and are strong supporters and advocates for the New Zealand wool industry.

Working with PGW

Nic Denton joined PGW 17 years ago as a Livestock Representative covering sheep and beef for North Canterbury, and is one of PGW’s team of more than 180 experienced livestock representatives nationally.

Having worked predominately in the Cheviot area for the last 15 years Nic has experienced all that this area of the country has to offer – from drought to floods. “The connections I have built over the years are what allow my customers and I to get through these challenges. Being an agent requires a collaborative approach and is something I really enjoy.”

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