Nikau Coopworth has been performance recording and breeding Coopworth sheep for over 50 years. A founding member of both FE Gold and Worm FEC Gold, Facial Eczema and parasite tolerance have been at the forefront of the breeding program. Commercial farmers look to Nikau for high-performance, structurally sound sheep with disease tolerance. Located in coastal Western Waikato, summer dry is the norm and high FE spore counts through autumn and early winter. Barbers Pole is evident much of the year.

Ewes are moderately sized at 65 kg. Consistently scan around 200% with 15% triplets; the last 5 year weaning average has been 168% and a 31kg average lamb weight. Hoggets are lambed and typically wean 125%.

Lambs are on extended drench intervals with no long-acting Barbers Pole products used. Typically 2 to 3 lifetime drenches are given. Hoggets receive their last drench in autumn and do not require any more treatment through tupping, winter or lambing time. Years of selection for growth under pressure have resulted in sheep with a strong early immune response to parasites. Strong focus for those that can perform above average in the face of parasite challenge and remain clean - resistance and resilience. The ewe flock has been on a no-drench policy since 2002.

The well-known mothering ability of the Coopworth, their sensible nature and ability to count their lambs has long been commented on by clients.

My favourite quote from a new client, seeing the superior maternal traits of the Coopworth, “I thought my sheep were good mothers. Coopworths raise the bar!”