EXPORT OF STUD SHEEP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21280, 25 February 1939, Page 4

EXPORT OF STUD SHEEP

English Breeder’s

Order

Noteworthy Event Stud sheep breeders in many parts of the world are turning to New Zealand to-day for high quality stock. Already there is a considerable export trade, particularly in the Lincoln and Southdown breeds, to Australia and tht Argentine. Now, it is believed for the first time In New Zealand’s pastoral history, a leading English sheepbreeder is purchasing New Zealand stud sheep to improve the quality of his flock—a high compliment to the quality and reputation of the stock bred in the Dominino. Mr Ernest St. C. Haydon, recently appointed stud stock manager to Dalgety and Company, Limited, has received instructions from Mr Clifford Nicholson, of Willington Manor. Lincoln, to select and ship to England two of the best stud Lincoln rams obtainable in New Zealand. This means that New Zealand breeders will be supplying stud sheep to the very shire from which the breed originated. Mr Nicholson is regarded as one of the most successful British breeders, the possessor of an outstanding flock. He hopes, with the infusion of the best New Zealand blood, to be able to produce the ideal type of sheep for the Argentine trade, where New Zealand sheep are beginning to seriously threaten what was formerly an English monopoly. The first attempt made by Mr Haydon to comply with Mr Nicholson’s instructions proved disastrous, as during January he selected what he regarded as a perfect ram from the flock of Mr L. R. Wilton, Masterton—Ram No. 300. Unfortunately, this ram was found dead in his paddock four days later, a severe loss to Mr Wilton, at the same time depriving Mr Nicholson of an outstanding sheep. Corriedale sheep were shipped to England on the occasion of the Wembley Exhibition. Again, during the war, Mr Haydon purchased from Sir 1 William Perry 50 Lincoln ram hoggets J for the Argentine, and these went to London and remained 10 days on a barge in the Thames awaiting a convoyed vessel bound for the Argentine. However, this is believed to be the first time that New Zealand breeders have been asked to supply stud animals to be placed at the head of a leading English flock. It is a noteworthyevent in the story of New Zealand sheep farming.