By Dr Clive Dalton The hunt for high fertile sheep The Ruapuke Ward flock We at Whatawhata heard about a Romney flock at Ruapuke near Raglan owned by the two Ward sisters (Olive and Jill), and I remember Graeme Hight visiting them to look at their sheep when we were starting up a small high … Read more
By Dr Clive Dalton Early arrivals in NZ On 22 May 1773, Captain James Cook dropped off a couple of Merino sheep in Sheep’s Cove in the Marlborough Sounds. He had picked them up during his stopover at the Cape of Good Hope, and had great hopes for them in their new home. But they … Read more
By Dr Clive Dalton Can you do without a bull? It’s a good idea to try avoid keeping a bull for these reasons: What are the alternatives? What age of bull to buy? Horned or polled bulls? Puberty Bulls reach puberty around 9-12 months old but young bull calves from 4 months old sucking their … Read more
By Dr Clive Dalton Ram correctly serving a ewe in full standing oestrus It’s too easy to forget about the ram. They certainly get plenty of attention during their selection and purchase, and up to the day they are joined with the ewes, but when they’ve done their work, there’s a great temptation to put … Read more
By Dr Clive Dalton It’s too easy to forget about the ram. They certainly get plenty of attention during their selection and purchase, and up to the day they are joined with the ewes, but when they’ve done their work, there’s a great temptation to put them in the back paddock and forget about them. … Read more