When it comes to genes and stud selection, what is your top priority?

If you can answer this you can work towards achieving it.

This is especially true when you look at the performance of your stock. By identifying the things you want to work on, you will be able to purchase the genetics that will drive the improvement you are looking for. It’s not a one size fits all process - your focus will be different from other farmers.

Which of these factors do you want?

• Bigger stock
• Smaller stock
• Better fertility
• Less dags
• Resistance to internal parasites
• Resilience to internal parasites
• Better lamb growth
• Longevity
• Meat yield
• Better reproduction
• Higher lamb survival
• More wool production
• Less wool production
• Facial eczema tolerance
• Higher fertility
• Others

The key is to focus on 2 to 3 factors. If you are focused on too many factors you will make much slower progress in any of them. So try to get it down to just a couple. Target in on them and see results!

Once you have identified a couple of targets you need to find a breeder who is focused on these same targets. There are a number of ways to do this. Many breeders have really useful websites these days. You will see straight away which target areas the stud is following. Choose a stud that is focused on the same factors as you. They will be making the most progress in the few targets they are chasing - then pass on those genetic gains in their rams.

FlockFinder is a great app to narrow down the search for the right stud for you.

Key points;

• Identify your key target areas
• Keep your focus narrow
• Find a stud with the same focus