STUD STOCK FOR SOUTHLAND

Southland Times, Issue 23782, 1 April 1939, Page 18

STUD STOCK FOR SOUTHLAND

Some Recent Notable Importations ROMNEY MARSH EWES FOR AUSTRALIA For many years Southland stud stock breeders have shown considerable enterprise in the purchase of stock of outstanding breeding from overseas to improve the standard of their studs. By this means a number of breeders have, achieved an enviable reputation for the quality of their stock and have established profitable markets for their stock both within the Dominion and overseas.

In recent years, ■ Southland sheep breeders have shown interest in the development of new breeds hitherto unknown in the province and trials with these sheep have proved advantageous. Within the last two years two studs of Dorset Horn sheep have been established in the province. A year ago Messrs Macassey and Sons, of Dacre, imported, a Suffolk ram for an experiment in the production of lambs for the export trade and they were so pleased with the purchase that they have just taken delivery of 10 rams and five stud Suffolk ewes. The sheep were bred by Ferrar Brothers, of Victoria. They were high quality sorts and attracted much interest when landed. The breed is claimed to have particular advantages in producing early maturing fat lambs. A further notable importation was a stud Border Leicester ram for Messrs W. Kennedy and, Son, Bayswater from Templeton ' Brothers, Sandyknowe, Scotland. The Bayswater stud has enjoyed a good reputation for its Border Leicesters and many sales have been made to Australia of these sheep Several leading ' Australian breeders have recently imported Border Leicesters from Scotland and the ’ Southland purchase is to ensure that the Bayswater sheep maintain their standard. The ram is believed to be one of the finest specimens of the breed ever exported from Scotland and good results are expected from mating this animal with the Bayswater ewes. Another Southland stud which has gained prominence in trading with overseas breeders is the Waimahaka stud of Romney Marsh sheep owned by Messrs' A. S. Holms and Sons. This stud has recently exported 15 stud ewes to a New South Wales buyer. These sheep were particularly attractive types and it is apparent that their quality is fully appreciated in Australia. All the purchases and sales were effected through the agency of Wright, Stephenson and Co. Ltd.