Animal Health & Husbandry
1 September, 2026
The proof is in the paddock
‘BORN in the paddock, not on a spreadsheet’ is a phrase often heard at the Mount Monmot Perendale and Perendale/Poll Dorset sheep stud at Skipton - and it perfectly reflects the stud’s breeding philosophy.
For the Mount Monmot team, sheep must perform both in the paddock and on paper.
Strong figures are important, but ultimately the proof is in the paddock.
“We are fortunate to have our foundation bloodlines from Newhaven Perendales, New Zealand’s largest registered Perendale stud,” stud owner Trudy Boyer said.
The Mount Monmot stud has worked in genetic partnership with the New Zealand-based Newhaven stud for the past 16 years, united by a shared focus on breeding tough, resilient sheep that thrive in harsh conditions.
The Newhaven stud now has a waiting list for its 500 sale rams, sold annually due to demand for its bloodlines.
Based in the high and dry hills of Otago in New Zealand’s South Island, the Newhaven stud produces around 2,600 stud lambs annually.
A defining feature of the operation is its long-standing nil-drench policy; something the stud became known for back in the 1990s, well before drench resistance became a widespread industry concern.
That foresight is now proving invaluable, with drench resistance affecting many sheep farms across New Zealand and Australia but their Perendale clients already have an in-built advantage against drench resistance due to their genetics.
“It’s not just about nil or low drench; it’s about building resilient genetics,” Trudy said.
Mount Monmot breeding is centred around what Trudy describes as the “trifecta” - combining ewe fertility and mothering ability with lamb survival and strong growth rates, even in very dry seasons.
As Perendales continue to gain popularity for their efficiency and low-input performance, the stud aims for every ewe to wean her own bodyweight in lambs each year.
“Efficient production drives profitability for our clients, no matter what the climate throws at them,” Trudy said.
Responding to commercial demand, the stud has also developed a Poll Dorset/Perendale cross ram alongside its pure Perendale offering.
All sale rams must meet strict selection standards, including resilience, low-input animal health, sound feet, good structure and quality wool.
“We wouldn’t offer anything for sale that we couldn’t stand behind in terms of quality and performance,” Trudy said.
“We want to make sure we are producing the very best sheep for our clients.”
Mount Monmot is taking orders now for its Perendale rams and Perendale-Poll Dorset rams, with their sale season kicking off in October.
Contact Trudy and Tony Boyer to arrange an inspection of their ram offering or to get your name on their mailing list.
Phone 0419 565 450 or 0429 402 127 or email mountmonmot@gmail.com