24/10/2023
Andrew had the opportunity to return to New Zealand this year for their sheep scanning season, and was able to bring home some fresh observations from their industry.
“I first ventured to New Zealand for sheep scanning back in 2005, and over a 10 year period I was very lucky to undertake jobs in different locations and operations across the bottom half of the South Island. Over this time I met many great operators and offsiders, and also observed that the Kiwi’s were miles in front of us with fertility. Towards the end of that 10 year scanning stint, the work evolved towards scanning for triplets, and that gradually increased year-on-year. With the stud and scanning at home in Aussie growing, I reluctantly pulled the pin on going across the ditch. It was a very hard call because I had built a friendship with many over the 10 years. After a 7 year hiatus, 2023 brought the opportunity to return to New Zealand for a short scanning stint. It was great to catch up with old friends and as always their fertility and management was exceptional. Their environment is bloody cold at times, but very similar in conditions and rainfall to areas around the NSW Tablelands and South West Slopes. In NZ, most results are within dry rates of 4 to 12%, with about 80% twins. Ewes are predominantly Romney-cross, and jobs consistently scan in excess of 160%. Here in Australia we have a different breed make up, being crossbred maternals and Merino. The concerning bit for me from this is with our crossbred maternals - not many flocks are getting above 145-150% with 15%-plus drys. If this happened in NZ they would think it was a disaster. The big movement I saw has been in the Merino scanning results. The improvement in the last 4 to 5 years has been impressive. The gap between the top and bottom is huge here with fertility in Australia and the crossbred maternal operations on average need to lift their game, and must be doing 170% plus. This can be achieved through a combination of genetics and nutrition, and of course good management.”
Scott’s Scanning will be hosting a trip to New Zealand in 2024, taking approximately 10 days to tour around the bottom half of the South Island. As well as catching up and having a chat with some leading operators, we will be travelling and checking out the stunning scenery. Please let us know if you are interested in being involved.
