Debbie Holmes and her husband Brian have been breeding Suffolk sheep for 35 years.

Debbie with just a few prizes.

“Brian’s family owned the surrounding farmland since the 1860s,” she explained, “and we bought 20 acres from his parents about 35 years ago. Ever since then we have bred Suffolks and raised weaner calves. It is a good combination – black faced sheep and white faced calves. You will always get reasonable money for both as they are always at the top end of the market.”

Debbie has obviously developed an eye for sheep as she works at two of the local sale yards.

“I have an affinity for animals, Suffolk sheep in particular.  They are a hardy breed – they need to be here – we are right on the coast at Karioitahi Beach and the wind from the Tasman is always blowing hard, but I don’t think our position on the coast adds extra salt to them!”

 Although Suffolk sheep have done well at Studholme, Debbie freely admits there are other good breeds, many of which would suit the smaller block holder.

“Frankly we don’t have the land to experiment with. If we did, I might well have tried other meat breeds. Suffolks are attractive sheep and I’ve got to know the breed well. They are renowned for having great taste and have a very lean carcass.

“Our stud comprises 80 ewes and 4 stud sires. Ewes last about five years in the stud. Each year we have to make way for 20 replacements and some old favourites have to go. A ram will last about four to five years before we have to change to different genetics.”

Although Studholme has been producing Suffolk sheep for 35 years it was only in 2003 that Debbie set up her stud. “Like many I aim to get top prices for my rams. I buy a new stud sire most years at Fielding or at Christchurch National Ram Fairs.

“Stud rams there sell between $1000-$3000. The top of the range can make $7,000 to $13,000. You can buy a budget ram for $150 at most local sale yards. But you pay for what you get.

“If you want to give your flock a boost with new genetics from a performance recorded flock, then aim a little higher to round about $350- $400. You will definitely see the difference. There are three active members of the Northern Suffolk Club here in Waiuku and we are all actively breeding for Show and to promote the Suffolk breed.”

 For a small block holder, Debbie reckons the best way to start with sheep is by getting Suffolk store lambs in December and fattening them through to September.

“You should be able to buy them at around $50 each. There are an abundance of lambs on the market at this time. If you buy them in December or January you should be able to finish them over winter and market them in September and usually double your money.

“Suffolks are a great meat breed – very lean, great tasting and they reach prime condition quickly. I have very little trouble with fly strike on my animals because we get them shorn in November – so there is nothing for the flies to strike.

“If you drench regularly you won’t have dag problems either. Normally four or five to the acre is fine. The secret is don’t overload your property with too many, and at the end of the season you should end up with big beautiful lambs for your freezer.”

 As for the stud, Debbie reckons at the moment it is all about lifestyle. “Whether or not you end up on the plus side of the ledger entirely depends on how much you are prepared to pay for your rams!”