At the start of the ram sale season, farmers are being advised to fully inform themselves about any changes they are considering around flock genetics.

This season, farmers will have more choice and greater value from the rams available than ever before, says PGG Wrightson Livestock National Genetics Manager Callum Stewart.

“Depending on what a farming business prioritises, ram breeders have programmes to deliver. In those districts where it is a concern, farmers are focusing on breeding resistance to facial eczema into their flocks; for others, particularly after the significant lamb losses we suffered during the winter, breeding to improve survivability is the main motivation. Elsewhere, emphasis is on other characteristics, including Omega 3, eating quality and marbling.

“Ram breeders are speculating what the market requires, and what farmers are prepared to pay for. There are multiple different programmes designed to fit those commercial demands.

“PGG Wrightson’s genetics advisors are on hand to match up these programmes to the particular demands that farmers specify. We will listen to what a farmer has determined is the best direction, and match that to a ram breeding programme suited to those requirements. Whatever you are looking for, we will go and find it,” he said.

Although prices are not likely to differ too much from last year, Callum Stewart says the value purchasers receive is increasing.

“Farmers buying rams have plenty of options this season. If you look back to where we were five years ago, breeders have become more progressive in what they are seeking to achieve. Their programmes are more advanced, and the genetics able to be bred into a flock more sophisticated than they have ever been before. That is good news for individual farmers, and for the capacity of the sheep meat industry to deliver on what consumers in our export markets demand,” he said.

This year’s ram sales campaign began in Claudelands, Hamilton on 1 November and will run until 30 January 2019 in Winton, Southland, with around 40 sales, which include a large number of private sales, scheduled throughout the campaign and across the country.