The world’s largest red meat genetics company, Focus Genetics, flew 100 Primera and Highlander rams across the Tasman, the third shipment in the last 12 months.
Focus Genetics’ Animal breeding specialist Daniel Absolom said demand has been high.
“The demand for our rams in Australia exceeded all initial expectations. The programme is part of a long term plan to establish NZ sheep genetics in the Australian market,” he said.
“We have had a lot of inquiry from Australia over the last 15 years but we wanted to find the right partners before we sent any rams. The Primera and Highlander breeds are now well established both here in NZ and the UK and the time is now right for Australia.”
Focus Genetics has partnered with Paringa Livestock in Australia, providing them with Primera and Highlander sheep breeds.
Paringa Livestock director Tom Lawson said there is growing demand in Australia for quality NZ sheep genetics because the lamb survival rates are better in extreme drought conditions.
“In the last two years the results from the Primera and Highlanders have been phenomenal.
“Although we are still in the early stages we are seeing proven results so there has been a big rush from farmers to buy more,” he said.
