Download the FlockFinder App for iPhone or Android
FlockFinder is an easy way to find information on New Zealand sheep breeders that utilises the powerful SIL genetic engine - the national genetic evaluation system for New Zealand sheep.
Flocks can be searched by breed, location, owner name, stud prefix, DNA parentage or by the traits recorded.
Once you've identified a breeder, the app allows you to phone or email them directly, or view their website.
You can locate flocks on farms near your current location, or within a specified radius of an address. The information is displayed as points on a map, with details available when you tap on a particular point.
FlockFinder works offline, once loaded. It does not require a continuous internet connection to perform further searches.
The app also includes explanations of common breeding value terms. Simply tap on the "i" icon in the top right of the screen
FlockFinder has been developed by Beef + Lamb New Zealand Genetics.
Here are tips for you to use our FlockFinder App on iOS and Android.
B+LNZ Genetics FlockFinder app allows easy access to information on leading New Zealand ram breeders, who are recording animal performance and conducting genetic evaluations using the SIL genetic engine.
Users can search for ram breeding flocks on the basis of breed, geographical location, flock name, SIL flock number, owner name or on traits being recorded.
FlockFinder requires iOS 7.0 or later. It is optimised for iPhone 5.
Selection Options
- Enter a breeder name, flock name or SIL flock number.
"Sheep Type" - can select:
- 'Ewe Breeds' (Dual Purpose)
- 'Meat Sheep' (Terminal Sire)
- "Breed" - select breed from scrolling list.
- "Region" - can select a specific region or "Near a location". This can be your current location or you can select a location.
- "Recording for" - choice of traits that a flock is recording.
Search Results
Selection results are displayed with:
- SIL flock no. & prefix (flock name)
- owner name & sheep breed
- region and number of lambs born in last year
Tap on a breeder to display their contact & flock details.
"Map" - tap to show location of all listed flocks with a known geographical location. Clicking on a "sheep" icon will show owner details and clicking on the "i" next to these details links to "Flock details" page.
Use the "Back" or "<" option to get back to the main screen, to start a "Search" running using the "Search" button or to refine your search with other criteria.
Search Advice
Don't impose too many criteria at first. Start with one or two criteria, then narrow down your search from there.
Results are sorted on flock size, then number of lambs born within that grouping.
On the "Region" screen, "Near a location" will use your current location and will display flocks "Within distance" that can be selected. The option "Use device location" can be turned off and an address can be entered. Alternatively, a long tap can be made on the map to pin point the required location. Select "Within distance" from scrolling list, to set required distance
Flock Details
Flock details are displayed with:
- SIL flock number, prefix and breed
- owner region, name and address
- what a flock is recording
- farm details will also be displayed, if different from owner details
Users can select appropriate link to email or call the breeder, or to visit their website.
"Map" - tap to show location of flock.
SIL Knowledge Terms
The "i" on front screen will take you to the "SIL knowledge terms", which provide:
- A glossary of general breeding terms
- common breeding value traits
- SIL indexes available
