Head Shepherd

Why Structural Selection Drives Long-Term Profitability with Sharon Paterson

Mark Ferguson Season 2025 Episode 238

In this episode, Ferg is chatting with Sharon Paterson from Waikaka Station in Southland, NZ. Sharon is very passionate about her flock of Texels and chats with Ferg about her selection process and her very rigorous culling criteria for structure and litter size, which have led to a uniform and productive line of sheep.

Ferg and Sharon discuss

  • How structure improves stayability
  • How culling singles over the years has improved fertility.
  • How improved survivability counteracts a lower scanning percentage 
  • The GDF9 gene
  • How selecting on structure can impact carcass traits
  • Paterson Park and Gardens

Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.

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