Sheep-breeding science pioneer Dr Jock Allison has been recognised for his "significant contribution" to the New Zealand sheep industry at the inaugural Beef and Lamb New Zealand sheep industry awards.
The awards, in Invercargill, were initiated by Beef and Lamb Southern South Island Farmer Council member Russell Welsh, who said the dairy industry's record of celebrating success prompted him to suggest them.
Nine awards, covering genetics, production and business innovation, were presented.
Dr Allison received the Beef and Lamb award for an individual or business making a significant contribution to the New Zealand sheep industry.
Rowan Farmer, who established the ultrasound livestock scanning company Stockscan, received the Silver Fern Farms award for sheep-industry innovation.
The AgITO business farmer trainer-of-the-year award went to Smedley Station and Cadet Training Farm.
Results of the genetics-related awards were calculated on breeders' performance in the large-scale, across-flock and breed genetic evaluation of more than 280 ram breeding flocks.
The terminal sire flock rated highest for genetic merit was The Burn, Joseph and Judy Barker's Texel stud in Mid-Canterbury.
The dual-purpose (ewe breed) rated highest was MNCC, Edward Dinger's Coopworth stud, in Waikato.
Source: odt.co.nz
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