Palmerston Coopworths escorted over 30 Kiwi and a smattering of Aussie Coopworth breeders on a 3 day “tiki tour” at the end of May. We pulled together a diverse itinerary which showcased the best of northern Tasmanian agriculture. The group were impressed by the diversity and quality of Tasmanian agriculture and the passion of those we visited. However, the unanimous highlight would have been the Tassie devil feeding time at Trowunna, where 7 devils made short work of a possum (declared the best use ever of a possum by those who witnessed it – we think that they’re selling their possum-merino blend a bit short).

After many visits to New Zealand for their annual Coopworth Conference, Palmerston Coopworths are very excited to be hosting the Kiwis for this years’ conference here in Tasmania. We have 30 delegates from both New Zealand and Australia visiting for 3 days from 31 May to 2 June, and have put together a diverse program showcasing a range of agricultural enterprises in northern Tasmania, including Greenvale Pastoral, Eastfield Lamb, Landfall, Ashgrove Cheese and Tamar Ridge vineyard. The group will be visiting Campbell Town Show on Friday morning, so if you’re about say g’day and make them welcome. A big thanks to our Conference supporters – Gallagher, Zoetis and Coopworth Genetics Australia.

Bill and Leanne visiting a typical New Zealand hill country property (Philip Brandon, Perendale breeder)

Highlights from the October 2016 Palmerston Coopworth newsletter include an update on changes to the maternal sheep index and a story on our visit to New Zealand in May 2016 for the annual New Zealand Coopworth Conference. Download the newsletter here.