Falkland Islands Department of Agriculture

Genetic Improvement Programme

Sheep production in the Falkland Islands is based on a self replacing flock producing meat and wool. In the past the key focus wasNational Stud Flock rams on wool production with meat (mutton) being a secondary product sourced from older animals.

A number of sheep breeds have been used over the Islands' 150 year plus farming history. For much of this time, the Corriedale was the breed that was considered the best fit for the climate and extensive grazing system of the Falkland Islands. First developed in New Zealand, the Corriedale is a Merino crossed with a Lincoln.

They are considered to be hardy, adapted to a wide range of conditions and slightly more fertile than the purebred Merinos. Essentially they are dual purpose producing strong wool (25 – 32 microns) and mutton. Ewes can be used as prime lamb mothers.

Over the past two decades and in line with global trends, the profitability of enterprises producing strong wool and mutton has been in decline. In response to these changing global economic conditions, the Falkland Islands Government embarked on a genetic improvement programme beginning in the early 1990's and continuing today. The programmes aim was to reduce the fibre diameter of the flock while maintaining fleece weight and bodyweight amongst other selection criteria.

The process used in the early stages of this programme was the importation of several hundred live Polwarth stud sheep, which formed the nucleus of the National Stud Flock (NSF). The NSF remains today and is a pedigree and performance recorded flock. The main selection criteria for animals is based on the key production traits of fibre diameter, fleece weight, bodyweight and fertility. This objective selection is combined with key visual assessments of structure, wool quality (style), face cover and pigmented fibres. A new production trait relating to internal parasite resistance was included in 2008.genetics-300

The introduction of the NSF and the production of seedstock for the Falkland Island sheep industry have been instrumental in achieving a reduction in the average fibre diameter of the national flock from approximately 27.5 micron in 1990 to approximately 25 micron in 2008.

The process used in the latter stages of this programme has been to expand the breed base by introducing new breeds. This has included breeds such as Dohne Merino, South African Meat Merino (SAMM), Afrino, fine and medium wool Merinos, Cormos (comeback), Pool Dorset, Texel and Suffolk. The latest reproductive technologies of fresh and frozen embryo transfer (ET) along with laproscopic (AI) and cervical (CAI) artificial insemination have been used to propagate the breeds as quickly as possible and build sufficient critical mass for the Falkland Islands to be self sufficient. This has been done in response to changes within the domestic meat industry and the continued global trend towards finer fibre diameter. All animals used in the latter stage have been selected on their performance data (estimated breeding values when available) with a selection of the dual purpose breeds being monitored to measure their performance and adaptation to the Falkland Islands farming environment. The aim is to integrate the purebreds into the national flock to aid its future development by continuing its dual purpose production focus and provide the capability to produce lamb as well as mutton.

Mid-Side Services

NZWTA

One of the options for testing mid-side samples is sending them to the New Zealand Wool Testing Authority (NZWTA) for testing.

NZWTA offer several testing options such as;

  • Micron Only
  • Micron & Yield
  • Micron & Yield and Length & Strength

If you would like to send your mid-side samples to NZWTA then get in touch with the DoA on 27355 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you are sending samples to be tested by NZWTA then you will need to send your samples to the Department of Agriculture where they will then be vac-packed and forwarded on with our regular wool sample parcels to New Zealand. See document below for guidelines on your mid-side samples.

 

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Mid-side guidelines
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Waiting time for results back from NZWTA is between 1-2 months depending on shipping from the Falklands.

OFDA2000

The other option for mid-sdie testing is using the departments own Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser (OFDA2000). Samples must be a minimum of 45mm to be tested on the OFDA2000.

The OFDA2000 offers sumerous results such as;

  • Micron
  • Micron deviation
  • Standard deviation
  • Coefficient of variation of diameter
  • Length
  • Standard deviation along the staple length
  • Comfort factor
  • Curvature
  • Standard deviation of curvature
  • Minimum micron
  • Maximum micron
  • Finest point from tip
  • Standard deviation along the staple

Yield and strength cannot be reported by the OFDA2000.

Waiting time on receiving results for OFDA samples varies on workload within the department. However, if the department is informed well before receiving samples then they can ensure someone is available to carry out the testing with results being sent out in a timely manner. 

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OFDA2000 Testing Request Form
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If you would like more information on mid-side sampling then please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

 

 

Farm Improvement Programme

Improved quality and utilisation of feed at critical key periods has the potential to dramatically:Race Point FIP

  • Increase growth rates of younger livestock
  • Increase lambing and weaning percentages
  • Increase wool follicle density in foetal lambs
  • Improve the efficiency of livestock improvement programmes
  • Reduce turn-off time for meat sheep and cattle
  • Provide opportunities for on-farm diversification

The Farm Improvement Programme (FIP) scheme (previously known as the Pasture Improvement Programme) commenced in 1998/99, as a  Falkland Islands Government grant for fertiliser (calcified seaweed and rock phosphate), seed, machinery use, fuel and fencing, with the aim of improving pastures on farm across the Islands.

The scheme focussed on establishing per farm:

  • 50ha of highly improved pasture, producing 5-7 t DM/Ha/Annum
  • 150ha of semi improved pasture producing 3.5-4.5 t DM/Ha/Annum

Crops at Blue BeachThe 10 year programme reached its halfway mark in June 2003 and spending in the first 5 years totalled £1,338,000. Out of this, a large proportion was invested into the pool machinery and fertilisers. Over half (49) of farms in the Falkland Islands worked on some form of pasture improvement during this period and a total of 1730 ha was developed to improved pasture or forage crop

Following discussions between farmers and the Department of Agriculture (DoA), the following points were noted:

  • High cost pasture/legume reseed does not appear to produce a favourable economic return in a set-stocked commercial flock regime, however, high value livestock could achieve positive returns
  • Highlighted the need to reduce establishment and maintenance costs and maximise productivity from reseeds and forage crops
  • The key to increasing return on investment would be the need for a rigorous planning process. This would target specific livestock that will benefit highest from nutritional gain, in which the planning process would involve a high level of grazing management
  • The DoA recognised that increased emphasis on all aspects of forage cropping was required
  • Highlighted the need for widening of the current programme to include managed/rotational grazing techniques, based on stringent animal and plant management
  • Participating farmers were keen to see the original aims adhered to.  Four year plans to be established, showing how a fixed allocation per farm could be best spent to bring pasture improvement and subsequent improvement in animal production for their own individual farm
  • In the 2005/2006 FIP plans, the DoA opened the programme up to include genetic funding

Crops at Race PointSince the review, a planning process was established.  In subsequent years each farm plan is submitted, detailing how it intends to utilise the funding. The plans are then reviewed by members of the DoA and a decision on approval granted.

The scheme was broadened to include:

  • Strategic sub-divisional fencing to facilitate rotational grazing and improved animal management
  • Forage cropping as a routine component of an animal production system, targeting specific key periods where nutritional demand is higher than supply (pre-joining, winter, lactation and fattening, etc)
  • Other on-farm pasture enhancing activity with clear cost benefit genetic improvement

In addition to the FIP conditions of operation (as outlined), farmers are also advised to carefully consider the FIP priorities when formulating their plans as follows:

  • Improved winter nutrition of breeding ewes/cows
  • Improved winter nutrition of hoggets/heifers and young steers
  • Effective grazing management to improve long term pasture productivity and animal performance
  • Targeted sheep and cattle genetic change to achieve defined breeding goals

It is clear that improved reproductive performance, reduced death rates, improved growth rates and liveweight combined with a slight adjustment to stock type on many farms, offers the Falkland Islands as a whole the greatest scope to improve profitability of farming. Because of this, FIP plans should focus on works that offer the prospect of gains in these critical areas.

Whilst the DoA is focussed on the above priorities, there are several potential projects that farms can pursue that do not fit directly into these 4 categories. The majority of these projects will be approved on an individual farm basis as they are often related to the categories above. These are as follows;

  • Ditching is acceptable under the FIP programme, providing the farm shows evidence that they are addressing nutritional issues with their breeding and young stock. Plans are expected to outline the distance to be ditched, the associated costs and the stock type that the camp currently supports.
  • The fattening of stock is eligible under the scheme providing farms can show the return on investment required. When considering approval the DoA will assess the farms current productivity levels. High quality improved pasture is often more likely to show the better return when compared to crops. Crops are often utilised as a stepping stone to assist the establishment of the pasture this will also be considered, the long term plan will be required to obtain approval in this instance. Similarly lambs will show a better return from fattening than wethers.Blue Beach FIP
  • With the sale of the DoA pool machinery to the agricultural community it is felt that prices for works should be left for market forces to dictate. However, it is felt that these costs will be controlled by the farm meeting a £3 return for every £1 spent. The DoA will of course monitor the situation to see if a ceiling price is required.
  • A wage of £6/hour is sometimes unrealistic when utilising skilled labour in some areas of work (particularly contracting). It is felt that paying skilled labour a higher hourly rate should have the knock on effect of quicker task completion and improved quality of work assisting in achieving the return of £3 for every £1 spent. The DoA will monitor the situation to see if a ceiling price is required.
  • In evaluating FIP works progress often needs to be determined through wool mid side sampling, pregnancy diagnosis, soil testing and plant nutrient analysis. These costs can potentially be reclaimed through the FIP scheme.
  • Land restoration projects such as the planting of Tussac grass, fencing of areas with clay patches etc could potentially be funded under the programme.
  • Rotavated tracks for easier movement or fencelines may be funded under the scheme as long as it clearly demonstrates a link the current FIP priorities.
  • Costs for scanning sheep could also be reclaimed as long as the farm can demonstrate a clear productivity gain purpose for the scanning.
  • To an extent grazing management is limited by water availability (particularly in the summer months). Funding is available for farms to create extra water sources or look at methods to deliver water providing they fit into a suitable grazing management plan.
  • There will be no sheep ET programme run by the department in 2009/10. Funding is available for sheep and cattle AI. This must follow the guidelines (same for ram purchases) set out previously by the DoA. Any issues relating to cattle genetics should be addressed by contacting the DoA early, they will then be discussed and a subsequent decision be made.
  • The purchase of imported high protein/energy supplementary feeds will also be considered for specific production feeding of young breeding stock and other situations where the return on investment meets the FIP criteria.

Organics

Although much of the farmland in the Falkland Islands is extensively grazed and free from chemicals, to obtain a market premium for wool or meat produce, farms need to be organically accredited.Australian-Certified-Organic

The Falkland Islands Development Scheme (FIDC) set up a locally accredited organics scheme in March 2001, which a number of farms joined up to. However, in order to be internationally recognised as organic, farms would need to sign up to an international accreditation scheme.

Following investigation, it was found that the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) provided a scheme that would adapt easily to the Falkland Islands, as it was designed to cater for a similar extensive or rangeland grazing management system.

Sheep Ultrasound Pregnancy Diagnosis

Since 2002 the Department of Agriculture has been able to offer a Ewe Ultrasound Pregnancy Diagnosis (scanning) to farmers.

Worldwide, scanning is used as an important management tool. It allows producers to relatively accurately predict lambing percentage. These results are thepregnancy_scanning-300.jpgn used to alter or fine-tune management practises relating to nutrition, health and pasture use. This practise has therefore fitted neatly into the Farm Improvement Programme.

The scanning information can also be utilised as a financial forecasting tool: i.e. cash flow budgets, enabling better estimates of income and expenses.

The benefits of determining if a ewe is pregnant or not include:

  • Being able to plan and budget for feeding/pasture – dry ewes can be run as wethers, ewes with multiple lambs can be moved to best pastures and fed supplements as required.
  • Being able to see what your conception rates are compared to lambs born or lambs marked. Marked differences in conception to weaning rate can be investigated.
  • Being able to see if any particular ewes are consistently not producing a lamb, they should be removed from the flock.
  • Being able to estimate conception rates lambing percentage to enable you to forecast meat or wool income.
  • Being able to body condition score pregnant ewes and feed those that need extra accordingly, or cull them if they are never going to successfully raise a lamb.

Facilities needed:

  • Pens and race – a temporary race made out of pens/gates is fine. For optimum flow of sheep have the panels before the scanning crate solid or covered so the sheep cannot see the scanner.
  • A continuous supply of hot and cold water - access to a working kettle is fine for the hot water supply.
  • A reliable power source.
  • Sufficient workforce – 1 person to work the crate/drafting gates, 1-2 people to push sheep up the race and fill pens and 1 person to write tag numbers etc. if required.
  • Ideally scanning would occur in a shed with easy access to power and water but scanning in the field is possible with prior arrangement

When to scan:

  • Naturally mated ewes
    • A short joining period of 34 days (2 cycles) is advisable. It is important (for many reasons) that rams are taken OFF the ewes. Scanning is optimal from 42-45 days from when the ram is taken off. Added benefits of a short joining period are:
      • A short and concise lambing period
      • A shorter time period needed to spend shepherding
      • All lambs will be nearer in age for weaning/lamb marking

Longer joining periods may mean that 2 scanning sessions are needed to accurately detect all pregnancies which will obviously be more costly and time consuming

  • AI ewes and Cover Rams:
    • Any ewes that don’t conceive at AI should cycle and be fertile again 17 days after the AI attempt, therefore to ensure a concise lambing period put cover rams out 2 weeks after the AI day for 35 days (2 cycles)
    • It is important to have raddle or harnesses on your rams. Marked ewes can be assumed to be cycling and not to have conceived via AI so if they are scanned pregnant it can be noted that this is probably to cover ram that the AI.
    • Scanning should occur between 70-90 days after the AI date.

Other information:

  • Ewes need to be off food and water overnight/twelve hours before scanning. Accurate scanning with a full rumen is both difficult and hard work.
  • Having the ewes half bellied makes the job much quicker and easier.
  • Please contact in good time, with all relevant dates and information so logistics can be arranged.

 

 HOW TO BOOK YOUR SCANNING:

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Scanning Booking Form
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Please let us know the dates when the rams went in and off and how many ewes there are to scan.