Te Taumata Romneys Est. 1962
Te Taumata Romney ewes and lambs early November 2011
2009-born Ram Hoggets Breeding Program and Objectives The Romney ewe is the backbone of sheep production in New Zealand. The modern Romney combines all of the traits necessary for optimum sheep production. Te Taumata Romneys are bred to optimise production, i.e. they are bred to perform without additional inputs needed, in order to maximise profitability. We take a balanced approach to trait selection because a breeding programme focused on a limited number of traits usually results in a decline in other important production traits. Constitution is key at Te Taumata, in the driest valley of the Wairarapa, and Te Taumata Romneys have the ability to handle very high stocking rates on poor quality, limited quantity pasture. Rapid lamb growth to prime killable weights is important without excessive mature ewe size. We put emphasis on lamb weight weaned per ewe with a target docking rate of 150%. Ewes are not 'flushed' in any way before mating. Te Taumata ewes must have the ability to rapidly gain body condition on spring pasture and hold onto this condition grazing pasture 'top' through the dry summer and early autumn. Autumn rains typically do not arrive until well into the mating season. This selection pressure gives us the confidence that Te Taumata genetics will thrive in tough conditions and gain top production in favourable farming environments. We have always maintained a very high standard of quality and amount of wool in our sheep which is now paying dividends as prices have risen and the long term outlook for top quality wool is very good.
2008 Ewe Hoggets Te Taumata Breeding Programme Focus:
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