2016 Newsletter
Hello everyone!
SPRINGTIME
It’s spring already and some of you are right in the middle of lambing or have already finished while we haven’t quite started yet … wherever you’re at, we hope the weather was cooperative!
Winter was just settling in as we completed our last newsletter, and we were getting ready to travel overseas to suss out some new markets and business ideas … and of course “a bit” of a holiday.
It seems a long time ago since we’ve returned home and I can’t believe that you’ll be ready to pick up your next years ram team before too long! Time flies when having fun ….
One of the things we love about travelling is the excitement of getting ready. We get extremely focused and efficient … and somehow “everything” gets done! We have often laughed about it ... if we ran our life that focused and efficent we could travel more.
Finally packed, whittled down the bags to one each, and now the juices start to flow … new experiences, new flavours and tastes, different customs and languages – what an adventure!
This time was very special for us … travelling with three teenagers and leaving them to pack, clean the house and meet us in Auckland … new territory all around!
ALL THE MONEY AND STILL STARVED FOR GRASS
First stop: New York City!
“The Big Apple” was absolutely amazing … we loved the vibe and the diversity, the different people and cultures all in one place … and the sheer number of people was mind boggling … this city just never stops … there’s always something happening somewhere and there seemed to be endless opportunities.
We went to Central Park just to get a bit of space and see some green grass … which reminded us so beautifully how lucky we are living in NZ and how we often don't value what we have – green grass, open spaces and lots of fresh clean air!
We became very aware of what a unique position we’re in with all our meat being from grass-fed, free range animals. Its normal for us to walk out the door straight into nature, and to have animals roaming around on green grass. Not so in New York.
This is our “niche”… it’s personal in NZ … we might be a small player in the big scheme of things but we’ve got the x-factor … animals on green pastures all year round farmed and cared for by families.
Looking around New York, there’s a lot of money and plenty of people who want to eat quality food. Organics, free range and even the story of the produce is everywhere.
Hmmm, now we’re really engaged and scheming … how do we get our lambs over there direct? …. Food for thought … watch this space!
NEW ZEALAND LAMB IN SWITZERLAND … AND SHEEP MILK
Next stop: Switzerland!
Of course extra exciting for me as I haven’t seen friends and family for two years … and you just can’t get the “Swiss” out of the “girl” completely …
We had a blast … experiencing life in the Swiss alps, swimming in the beautiful lakes, making the most of all the outdoor activities on offer and spending some quality time together – there was something for everyone.
And of course the food! In good Swiss tradition, the food is beautifully presented and delicately cooked. NZ lamb was a regular on the menus … hmmm … another possible big market to connect and deliver directly from people to people, family to family …
Inspired by the foodie scene, Simon and I went window shopping and checked out some prices. On average, 1kg of premium cut lamb is worth 60 Swiss Franks which is NZ$83! … well this is just about the price we’re getting for a whole lamb here!
We also had the opportunity to visit a sheep milking operation in the Swiss Alps … East Friesians and Lacaune were grazing outside on pasture during the day and were brought into the shed at night during summer to then being fully housed during winter. Sheep Yoghurt, Ice-cream and cheeses made on farm were sold directly out of the shed to the public … in walking distance from the town centre!
WE HAVE THE LAND, THE STORY, THE GENETICS AND THE PRODUCT … ARE WE READY TO GAMBLE FOR A BIT OF FUN!
Last stop: Las Vegas!
What can I say? Las Vegas is simply crazy … a whole city in the middle of the desert where “everything” is possible!
Well, our trip couldn’t have been more diverse really … from boutique New York to pristine Switzerland to unreal Las Vegas … we’ve covered the lot!
As exciting as it was to travel the world, it was also beautiful to touch down in NZ again … stepping out into (very cold!) fresh air, onto green pastures and less people around!
This is worth so much to us AND we’re going to let the world know one family at a tme! We have the story, the genetics, and the product to connect directly with those who would like to have a wee slice of home grown New Zealand lamb.
GET IN NOW FOR YOUR WISH LIST …
We’ve always been able to accommodate your orders in the past … with a bit of shuffling here and there. However over the last two years we’ve increased overall ram numbers and sadly couldn’t find a home for them all. This was disappointing.
So, if you are looking for a bargin we are starting this year off with a BUY NOW on some of our 4T rams (Coop & Coop Romney X). Give Simon a call and grab your deal.
To make sure we can deliver exactly what is on your wish list this year, we strongly encourage you to put in YOUR ram order today. ( we enclose a ram order form to make it easy).
Oh, and did I mention that our Carthew Landcorp Lamb Supreme are AGAIN on top of the list for growth across all NZ flocks!
So be in quick to secure some of these awesome meat producing machines!!!
We look forward to catching up with all of you soon again in the covered yards … and of course give us a call anytime if you’d like to discuss best ram options for you.
Wishing us all a superb spring!
Pascale & Simon
