Breeding resilient, low-input Romney sheep in Canterbury, New Zealand
A Legacy of Excellence
in Romney Breeding
Hugh and Diane Taylor have been dedicated to Romney sheep breeding for over 40 years. Situated in the foothills of Canterbury, Doughboy Romney focuses on producing robust, self-reliant sheep that thrive under commercial conditions with minimal intervention.
History of Doughboy Romney
Founded over 25 years ago, Doughboy Romney is steeped in tradition and practicality. The flock has been SIL‑ACE recorded since the early 1990s, emphasising real-world performance under commercial conditions. Totally closed since 1994, the flock has maintained genetic integrity and biosecurity for nearly three decades. Our focus has consistently been on breeding sheep that thrive under tough hill‑country management, requiring minimal intervention yet delivering impressive productivity and longevity.
"The Doone" - Todays Home of the Doughboy Romney Flock
“The Doone” is the remote hill‑country property that now hosts the registered Doughboy Romney stud (Flock 2588). Chosen specifically for its challenging terrain and commercial pasture conditions, The Doone puts our breeding programme to the test. It ensures we continue to select animals based on natural resilience, structural soundness, worm and disease resistance, and mothering ability. This environment is central to our philosophy: only sheep that can perform under these conditions make it into the flock.
Our Breeding
Philosophy
At Doughboy Romney, we breed sheep that perform in real-world farming environments. Our focus is on natural resistance, structural soundness, maternal traits, and ease of management. The result is a flock that requires fewer inputs but delivers consistent results.
Key breeding objectives include:
- Fertility and mothering ability
- String constitution and survival
- Sound structure and feet
- Worm resistance and easy-care traits
Our Sheep
Genetics built for performance, not pampering
The Doughboy Romney flock has been strictly closed since 1994, ensuring genetic integrity and disease resilience. Our 400+ SIL-recorded ewes are run entirely under commercial hill country conditions — no grain feeding, no drenching after weaning, and minimal intervention. If a sheep can’t handle it, it doesn’t stay in the programme.
Key Features:
- Closed Flock for over 25 years: no outside genetics introduced since 1994
- SIL-ACE Recorded: Full performance recording on all stock
- Survivability & Fertility: Lambing consistently over 150%
- Worm Resistance: Faecal Egg Count (FEC) data used in selection
- Structural Soundness: Rams rigorously screened for feet, jaw, pasterns and overall conformation
- Wool Quality: Good coverage, free from dags and with strong fleece weights
- No drench post-weaning: Lambs and hoggets must thrive on pasture alone
We cull hard. Only 20–25 rams are offered annually from a starting cohort of over 150 ram lambs—and only those with the right balance of EBVs and real-world durability make the cut. If you’re after rams that thrive where others falter, Doughboy Romney has the genetics to match.
Sales & Availabilty
Top-quality rams and breeding stock available annually
We offer a limited number of selected Romney rams and ewe lambs for sale each year, with clients across the country returning for genetics that perform in all kinds of conditions.
To enquire about current availability or upcoming sales, please get in touch.
Contact us today
Trusted genetics. Proven results.
What Farmers Say
About Doughboy
Romney
The Doughboy rams have been a game-changer for us — strong lambs, fewer issues, and great doers.
Client, North Otago
Get In Touch
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re looking for rams, want to know more about our breeding programme, or just have a question, contact us directly.
Contact Details
Hugh
Email: southernprime@scorch.co.nz
Phone: 021 935 244 / 03 312 4267
Marcus
Phone: 021 077 9905
Leanne
Phone: 027 2592 982
Location:
The Doone, 3012 Inland Road Kaikoura
