Ram fair chance to meet other breeders

New Zealand Sheep Breeders’ Association chairman and sheep breeder Jim Berney, of Owaka, sold four South Suffolk rams at the fair, prices ranging from $800 to $2700. Photo: Yvonne O'Hara
New Zealand Sheep Breeders’ Association chairman and sheep breeder Jim Berney, of Owaka, sold four South Suffolk rams at the fair, prices ranging from $800 to $2700. Photo: Yvonne O'Hara
Sheep breeder Jim Berney has attended the Gore ram fair for 12 years-plus and enjoys seeing the quality of sheep and catching up with other breeders.

Mr Berney, who is in his third year as New Zealand Sheep Breeders’ Association chairman, has three studs: Craig-Annat South Suffolk, Lakeside Oxford and Lakeside Charolais on 60ha near Owaka.

He runs 240 stud ewes as well as replacements and a few cattle.

‘‘This is enough for this old chap,’’ Mr Berney said.

He sold four South Suffolk rams at the fair last week, prices ranging from $800 to $2700, which he was pleased about.

‘‘I also bought a South Suffolk for $1500 in shares with another breeder, from Doug Croy’s Spring Creek Stud, Oxford.

The ram fair’s timing suited a lot of people, he said.

‘‘We have had some good steady sales, with good money.

‘‘The sales have really picked up in the last two or three years.

‘‘It varies from breed to breed and some years one will sell well, and other years, others will sell well.’’

He enjoyed the ram fair as it provided breeders and farmers the chance to network.

‘‘It is all right, selling online, but a sale like this is a really special occasion.

‘‘It is social, catching up with other breeders, and it doesn’t matter whether they are South Suffolk [breeders] or others, we all get together.

‘‘That is what it is all about — the camaraderie.

‘‘We are all there for one thing — breeding good sheep.’’

It was particularly important as the increase in dairy farms throughout the country had reduced the both the number of sheep and sheep farmers.

‘‘That was impacting on stud sales and there are not as many stud breeders as there were 10 years ago, and not as many old fellas, as we are all getting out of it.’’

He intended to step down as chairman of the association in July, but before then would be involved with the National Ewe Hogget competition and would be attending the Merino Excellence Congress on March 12 in Cromwell, and next month’s Southern Field Days, Mr Berney said.

‘‘I have enjoyed it — nothing too hard really.’’

He was keen to see more young breeders entering the industry, he said.

‘‘We need them to keep the system going and we need to encourage that next generation to follow on from us older fellas.’’

He was also looking forward to the association’s 125th celebration next year, he said.

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