Better Sheep Breeding starts with informed decisions. Choosing the right rams for your farming operation is one of the most effective ways to improve flock performance and profitability.
B+LNZ provides a range of tools and resources to help you make confident breeding decisions - whether you're selecting replacements, identifying the right rams for your team, or finding breeders that align with your goals.
On Knowledge Hub, you’ll find guidance on using nProve Sheep, a free online tool that helps New Zealand farmers to find the best rams for their operation, and the Ram Value Calculator, which compares ram teams based on genetic merit.
Access all Better sheep breeding information and resources through the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub
Related topics
Hogget mating resources
Ram selection is an important part of hogget breeding, to avoid birthing difficulties. Expert advice suggests using terminal sires or rams from smaller or similar-sized breeds to your mature ewe line.
Resources on hogget mating are available on the Knowledge Hub and cover the fundamentals of hogget breeding, including the advantages and disadvantages of hogget breeding, as well as pre-mating management of ewe hoggets. They give practical guidance for farmers looking to implement or improve their hogget breeding programmes.
B+LNZ’s genetic tools - such as nProve - help to match breeding objectives with available genetics. These tools support farmers in developing breeding plans that consider both immediate hogget breeding needs and long-term flock improvement goals.
Hogget Performance: unlocking the potential of ewe hogget breeding (PDF, 2.2MB).