And they should know: the cousins are regular winners and picked up more awards for their efforts at the Central Otago A&P Show in Omakau on Saturday.
Andrew Paterson, who farms 15,000 Polwarths on Matakanui Station, Omakau, won Reserve Supreme Fleece of Show and the Robert Jopp Shield for most points in show.
Simon Paterson, who farms 8000 merinos on Armidale Station, Ranfurly, won Supreme Fleece of Show and Supreme Sheep of Show.
Sheep have to have good genetics to make the most of good feed, and vice-versa, Andrew said.
Years of work have gone into their flocks, though.
''Our fathers have been breeding fine-wool sheep for many years,'' he said.
Simon said Armidale was founded in 1882 and the Paterson name ''expanded from there''.
The merino stud was started in 1954 by his grandfather, Bruce.
Patersons have farmed the Matakanui property since the late 1950s and started the stud in 1979. Both stations have had many wins locally and nationally for their wool.
The 117th annual Central Otago A&P Show was opened by retired All Black hooker Andrew Hore, who said there were ''a few outstanding horses out here ... the sheep are ticking along'' and then made reference to the beer tents.
A&P Show president Murray Kirk said there were a lot of other events around the area that day and he was glad of the turnout at the show.
''It's the support that keeps everyone enthused.''
Official attendance numbers were not known yesterday but were estimated to be similar to last year's, which previous president Geoff Clouston estimated were 2500 at their peak.
In addition to the traditional horse events, stock judging, shearing, home industries and market stalls, the crowd was entertained by the West Otago Vintage Machinery Club's dancing tractors, a rescue demonstration by the Omakau Volunteer Fire Brigade, a lawn mower race and more.
