27 and Ewe: Evaluating the Case and Appetite for Genotyping the NZ Commercial Sheep Flock

Genomics remains underutilised in the New Zealand sheep sector, with adoption historically confined to stud breeders. This project explores the potential for genotyping commercial ewe flocks, not as a silver bullet for a single problem, but as a multi-benefit tool to achieve stacked benefits to improve productivity, resilience, welfare, and market positioning.

Using a mixed-methods approach (literature review, semi-structured interviews, and a national survey of commercial sheep farmers), findings indicate that while there is appetite and early signs of justification for genotyping a proportion of the commercial ewe flock, market failure and preventative costs exist, resulting in underinvestment at the farmer level.

Genotyping is more than a technical upgrade; it is a strategic lever for industry transformation. It enables cumulative genetic gain, earlier and more accurate selection and supports traceability and biosecurity. However, adoption is constrained by cost, infrastructure, and stakeholder alignment. International models such as Ireland’s ICBF and Australia’s MERINOSELECT demonstrate the value of coordinated investment, robust reference populations, and farmer-led governance.

Analysis of survey and interview responses using the ESC (Environment–Strategy–Capability) gap framework highlights gaps in value-chain communication, data governance and practical logistics. Bridging these gaps will require not only technological innovation, but also ethical governance, workforce capability development, and inclusive extension strategies. Based on survey responses, farmers are confident in genotyping delivering on productivity and animal health gains but remain cautious about market premiums and the lack of direct, short-term return on investment.

Recommendations that are more specific to the uptake of genomics by commercial sheep farmers are:

1. Do case studies on lower cost options and potential benefits (e.g. flock sample profiling, parentage-only genotyping) and build a farmer-friendly customisable ROI calculator. This could be done by B+LNZ and/or as part of a post-graduate student project and would ideally be done in the next 12 months.
2. Prioritise farmer pain point traits (e.g. health traits – starting with parasite tolerance and facial eczema) for both reference population development/expansion and as an extension pathway. This would ideally be a focus over the next 3-5 years. B+LNZ are an obvious enabler of expanding relevant reference populations and also codesigning and developing extension resources alongside farmers, private consultants and other trusted advisors.
3. Co-design validation tools (e.g. scorecards) for market-valued traits with processors, banks & farmers within the next two years.
4. Genomics providers to co-design and develop farmer-ready tools, packages and systems; bundle sampling kits, services and staged or subscription payment options, so farmers receive usable decision tools, rather than having to wrangle data.
5. Explore co-investment models (government + industry) to correct market failure and incentivize adoption in the next 12 months.

Freeing access to genotypes and phenotypes has the potential to disrupt traditional ram breeding models, raising equity concerns for phenotype contributors. Governance frameworks must ensure fair reward and prevent fragmentation. With a shrinking national flock, unity and critical mass are essential to maintain competitiveness and confidence.

With coordinated investment, fair governance and practical tools, genotyping has the potential to strengthen profitability, resilience and market confidence.