Getting sheep shape at Pyramid Farm
The vineyards at Pyramid Farm in Marlborough’s Avon Valley have never been run of the mill, with plantings that follow the natural contours of the land, 250 metres above sea level.
Those seeking to grow the fledgling sheep milk industry have just taken a big step forward in breeding a composite sheep especially for New Zealand conditions.
The Awassi breed, originally imported to supply meat and milk to Middle Eastern markets, is to provide much needed genetic diversity to existing flocks.
The Saudi-owned Hawkes Bay-based enterprise known as Awassi NZ has agreed to make rams available to cross with the East Friesian breed on which the industry currently depends.
Dr Jock Allison had a lead role in the importation of both breeds over 20 years ago, and regards this as a big step forward. "The hybrid of these two breeds is well established in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions where it is known as the Assaf breed. It is a dual purpose animal much hardier than pure East Friesian, and the hybrid vigour is a bonus".
By coincidence, the head of Awassi NZ, George Assaf, shares the same name as the hybrid, but this had nothing to do with the decision.
"We have had a long relationship with Jock Allison and because we could this to be a good benefit to NZ farmers when he asked if we would help out, we wanted to say yes". He is convinced the Awassi will add considerable value in New Zealand through improved milk yield and especially high solids (fat and protein). Importantly, the Awassi is a very hardy sheep. Awassi NZ chose the breed as the best option for the proposed live export trade to the Middle East because this hardiness was a proven advantage on live shipments made previously. They also adapted well when farmed in NZ.
The pure East Friesian ewes being mated to the Awassi rams derive from a stock of 1700 embryos retained by Jock Allison since the late 1990s. These were purchased in 2015 by Jake Chardon and Peter Gatley, better known for their long involvement in breeding of dairy cattle (CRV and LIC) and deer (Deer Improvement).
The pair are now part of a Maori/Chinese joint venture called Maui Milk based near Taupo, and are supplying rams to breed dairy sheep to enable new suppliers to be established. They recognise the importance of new blood.
Gatley says this is the key to productivity improvement. "We have access to everything else we need. We can improve nutrition and bring in specialised milking equipment, but until we are able to import new genetic material, the Awassi is our only source of genetic diversity".
Chardon agrees. "The East Friesian is a great milking sheep but it is bred for the European barn environment, so we need to introduce something else to create a dairy sheep for our pastoral system. Awassi NZ have invested a lot in creating their breeding operation, and we appreciate the trust they have shown in allowing us to access their rams."
New Zealand milk production is off to a strong start, with the first month of the 2025/26 dairy season recording a whopping 17.8% jump in milk production, compared to the previous season.
With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.
Keep up with innovation and e-commerce in China or risk losing market share. That was the message delivered at the China Business Summit in Auckland this month.
Meat Industry Association (MIA) independent chair Nathan Guy says getting meat processors involved has been a shot in the arm for the sector's key marketing initiative into China, Taste Pure Nature.
Listed carpet manufacturer, Bremworth is undertaking a $6 million expansion at its Napier plant more than two years after the site was heavily damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Federated Farmers is vowing to keep the big banks accountable for their actions and to continue pushing for meaningful change in the rural lending sector.
OPINION: Bayer Crop Science closing its Hastings research site could be the tip of the iceberg.
OPINION: The image of regenerative farmers as kind, cuddly progressive types took a hit when one of their own took…