Merino lamb and wool production from a commercial stand of perennial lupin (Lupinus polyphyllus) on a high country farm in New Zealand

Abstract

Sawdon Station is a 7500 ha high country farm located near Lake Tekapo in the South Island of New Zealand. The farm produces fine Merino wool from about 4500 ewes for the global markets. Following the tradition of early pastoral run-holders, the Merino ewes are raised on a pasture-based system, generally comprised of native grasses and introduced pasture species grown in the difficult high country environment. This system is acceptable for producing fine Merino wool, which is shorn in September, and market weight lambs by February. However, as a global industry competitor in fine wool production, Sawdon Station faces the challenge of improving efficiency and productivity. This challenge is being met, at least in part, by using pasture legumes that are adapted to the environment. The area planted in lucerne (Medicago sativa) and perennial clovers has expanded in the more fertile areas, while perennial lupin (Lupinus polyphyllus) is cultivated in the lower-cost developments. Perennial lupin survives the climate and is adapted to acidic, low phosphorus soils. However, there has been little commercial sowing of perennial lupin in the high country; Sawdon Station is one of only a few farms using perennial lupin in the district. The objective of this study was to quantify the performance of Merinos grazing on a commercial stand of perennial lupin-grass (10 ha) on Sawdon Station over 4 years.