Over 40 Years Breeding Experience

Colhoun Genetics has been helping farmers lift lambing percentages, growth rates, and carcass yields for more than four decades. Founded by Southland farmer and ram breeder David Colhoun, the stud was built from the ground up - combining hard work, innovation, and a commitment to measurable results.

A Lifetime in Genetics

Today, Colhoun Genetics is recognised for proven Coopworth, Suftex, and Coopworth/Texel sires bred for fertility, survival, growth, and carcass yield. Every ram is performance-recorded, DNA-tested, and selected with one goal: helping farmers improve their flocks and their bottom line.

With a no-auction, one-on-one approach, David takes the time to match the right ram to the right system. His philosophy is simple: “The success of my business is built on the success of my clients.”

Over four decades in sheep breeding, from genetic research to industry leadership.

An advocate for performance-based breeding, helping farmers select rams that translate into higher farm profitability.

Breeding Philosophy

For David, breeding rams has never been about short-term wins. It’s about steady, consistent gains that make a difference year after year. He often says the farmers making money are the ones who focus on the basics, keep things simple, and look for incremental improvements across their systems.

That philosophy runs deep at Colhoun Genetics:

• Keep it practical – breed for traits that matter in the paddock, not the show ring.

• Commit to accuracy – use DNA technology and performance recording to back decisions.

• Focus on clients’ success – because, as David says, “the success of my business is built on the success of my clients.”