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Welcome to Whakatiri Wiltshires. We are a SIL (5012) registered flock, of 150 elite breeding ewes, established in 2018 with the aim to produce a low input, high output sheep for commercial operations. We have sourced the best genetics in order to quickly establish a high performing flock to deliver to the requirements of commercial farmers. We only breed from the best of our stock and cull heavily to ensure that the animals we are producing are of the best quality and conform to our breed objectives. That objective being to breed a highly FE tolerant animal that requires minimum drenching and produces fast growing meat animals.
Why Wiltshires
Wiltshires have long been popular with Organic and Lifestyle operations as they require little input and are a hardy and durable breed that grows quickly, lambs well, and produces a lean heavily muscled carcass. Now commercial farmers are also catching on and are able to generate far better returns from less resources with the breed.
Economics
How do Whakatiri Wiltshires ensure a better return in a commercial farming operation?
• Shedding sheep require no shearing, crutching, docking, or dipping
• No flystrike
• High feudicity and good mothering, resulting in 190% weaning
• Good results with hogget mating
• High resistance to Facial Eczema
• High parasite resistance
• Great growth rates in dry and drought conditions
History
Originally thought to have been brought to England by the Romans, this is one the worlds oldest surviving sheep breeds. It popularity grew in Australia in the 1950s and the breed was introduced to NZ in the 1970’s. Due to the value of wool the breed has never been able to maximise returns for the commercial farmer, however the increased cost of harvesting wool and lower returns has now seen this animal become a much more viable options for commercial sheep farmers in NZ. The harvesting of wool is not only limited to the cost of shearing and maintain of infrastructure, but a wool sheep also needs docking, dipping, crutching. Added to this growing wool takes a lot of energy that Wiltshires put into developing lean muscle.
maximise your profits with
top quality genetics
Getting the best genetics is the only perpetual and cumulative investment you make in your business, so it is critical that you make the right decision.