With traits to counter FE and worms, Marlow Genetics is preparing a sale catalogue with 30 Romworths and 50 Coopworth rams 

After 57 years, a prominent Central Hawke’s Bay stud is holding its first ever on farm ram sale. 

Along with his wife Rosa, in 2023 Jason Wyn-Harris took over Marlow Genetics, Hatuma. Following in the footsteps of his father Steve, and grandfather Tim, who established the stud in 1969, Jason has focused on FE tolerance and worm resistance. 

“This year for the first time we are offering Romworth rams. Two years ago we started putting Romney rams from Hinenui Genetics, Gisborne over our Coopworth ewes. That first crop of rams is included in this year’s offer,” says Jason, who admires the bone structure, barrel and depth that the Hinenui Romneys bring to the Marlow genetics.

Along with 30 Romworths, 50 Coopworth rams will go into the sale catalogue. 

As well as making a day of it, auctioning their rams on farm for the first time will raise Marlow’s profile.

“We have a loyal following of farmers who regularly take our rams, some going back through the generations, extending from Mātāwai north of Gisborne, through to Marlborough, and across the North Island as far as Whanganui and Taranaki. We are proud of what we produce and keen to present our genetics at best advantage, to the widest audience possible, which is why we’re taking the step to auction our rams on farm this year.”

Striving to improve lambing percentages and mothering traits, Jason’s grandparents Tim and Trish started using Border Leicester rams on their 350-hectare farm in 1971, before joining the Coopworth Society, forming the Marlow stud and markedly raising percentages. When Jason’s parents Steve and Jane took over in 1983, they prioritised growth and survival then meat production. Twenty-five years ago they added FE resistance as an important trait, and for the last five years focused intensely on worm resistance, to a point where they have been able to discontinue drench usage.

“We are making great progress with the two key health traits and are comfortable at the level of tolerance: no zinc or dosing, just breeding. We are now actively looking for FE in the environment to test the ewes,” says Jason.

All the while, phenotype and structure remain critical. “It’s not just about numbers,” he says. 

PGG Wrightson Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa genetics rep Tom Suttor will oversee the sale.

“Marlow has been at the forefront of FE and monitoring for a long time. They are offering a quality line up of rams. In this their first year going to auction, farmers have a great opportunity to buy some premium genetics. Jason and Rosa have built an impressive new set of yards, display facilities and an auction ring, which will make attending in person an excellent experience, and for anyone else, participating in the sale via bidr is a great option,” he says.

Scheduled for Tuesday 10 November on farm at 376 Hinerangi Road with Neville Clark conducting the auction, the Marlow sale will be preceded by an open day on the afternoon of Sunday 1 November. It will be the first ever FE Gold auction on the East Coast.

Marlow Genetics has also supplied live rams to Japan and semen to Canada.

Links to: 

https://marlowcoopworths.co.nz

https://bidr.co.nz