Texel Conference (16-Jul-10)
In mid June, Texel New Zealand held its conference in Palmerston North based at the Kingsgate Hotel. The Monday morning saw delegates visit Massey University where Richard Shaw explained the new 'Carla' Saliva Test for animals. That afternoon the Breed Committee met for business and following that the Across Flock report was presented to them by Clare Callow. Dinner was attended by 32 people.
Tuesday saw delegates go on tour, including a drive to the Teapiti Wind Farm for viewing. Next was a visit to Nigel Burn's farm at Conoor to see his commercially farmed Texels and enjoy a great lunch. It was interesting to note that this area was settled by Pakistanis.
The next stage of the Tour was to the Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka. The tour through the Brewery was interesting and finished off nicely with a free sample of their wares. Next stop was just along the road at another watering hole - the Dudley Pub, followed by dinner at Purple Haze Lavender Farm where we had a great meal and catch-up at the end of the day.
The AGM was held on Wednesday morning. Amongst many other things, it was decided that the Texel Society would now be known as 'Texel New Zealand'.
In the twenty years that the Texel Breed has been in NZ, it has made big inroads into the sheep industry. Now more than ever, it is recognised for its ability to be a dual purpose sheep breed. Not only is Texel a widely used terminal sire, but now its success as a maternal breed is being recognised.The Texel is well known for its high-yielding carcass, low fat and also its high bulky fleece which is now being used in the top-end carpet industry. Texels have well and truly cemented their place in the NZ sheep industry as a valuable breed.
