Our story...
It all started in 2007 when we set out to breed ewes with higher levels of fat to thrive in the hill country and that would result in a lamb product with high levels of intramuscular fats.
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Headwaters...
is a unique collaboration of like-minded farmers who are committed to breeding animals that are healthier, more resilient, more productive and with significant, proven consumer benefits in taste and health giving qualities.
We produce animals that reflect market demand for increased animal wellbeing, health-giving qualities, greater taste and appearance (reduced pH). This is why Headwaters is partnered with Alliance Group, linking breeding developments with market developments and allowing farmers to act on
and benefit from these.
Intensive genetic and agronomic research has led to important discoveries about the links between Headwaters lambs’ fat constitution and different management and feeding systems.
Genetics
We continue to develop and improve the genetics of our Headwaters breed. Our comprehensive progeny testing programme is used to determine the selection for our breeding programme and elite flock.
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Our focus is to ensure a premium breed that is hardy and resilient, that thrives in our New Zealand conditions. Since the outset of our programme, we've been focused on the role of intramuscular fats in our animals and the effect that this has on the health of the sheep, as well as the effect on eating quality.