On a small lifestyle farm near the rural town of Cambridge in New Zealand, Andrew and Leigh-Anne Peake are establishing the Valais Black Nose sheep as a new breed in the country. The couple have found the journey highly enjoyable, reports Gerhard Uys.
Google ‘the cutest sheep in the world’ and you will find countless images of fluffy, black-faced sheep that look as if they belong in a toy store rather than on a farm.
This ‘cuteness factor’ was the reason Andrew and Leigh-Anne Peake, of Rose Creek Valais Black Nose in Cambridge, New Zealand, wanted to keep a few of these Swiss sheep as pets.
After exhausting efforts to import their first sheep, and the subsequent realisation that Valais Black Nose not only make great pets but are also hardy and have good meat traits, the Peakes decided to establish New Zealand’s first Valais Black Nose stud.
VALAIS BLACK NOSE
The Valais Black Nose originates in the Valais region of Switzerland. The lower valleys are dry, but considerable rain and snow fall on the mountain peaks, some of which are higher than 4 000m.
Traditionally, the sheep spend half of the year in the mountains and then come down for winter.
Known as the Walliser Schwarznasenschaf, they are mentioned in Swiss historical documents dating back to the 15th century, and some think the breed was already established in 5 000 BC.
Twice in its history, the breed nearly became extinct. On the first occasion, it nearly succumbed to disease, and on the second, government authorities tried to convince farmers to crossbreed for better meat yield.
The breed is renowned for its charming looks and friendly temperament. According to LeighAnne, the sheep enjoy interacting with humans, and thus make excellent pets. Demand from the US is particularly high.
“[Apparently], when people hike in the Valais area in Switzerland, flocks of sheep follow them for kilometres,” she says.
THE BEGINNING
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.