Backed by Science. Proven on Farm.
Fifth-generation farmer Hamish Bibby has a deep-rooted passion for animal breeding and continuous genetic improvement. Together with his wife Kelly, he’s raising their four children on the family farm, near Onga Onga in Hawke's Bay.
As co-owner and Stud Master at Kelso Genetics, Hamish leads the breeding programme with a clear focus on ewe efficiency, animal health and overall productivity. His goal is simple; to help clients achieve stronger results through high-performing and proven genetics.
Kelso Genetics prides itself on producing robust, sound sheep that are fit for purpose and bred to perform across a range of environments. Facial eczema (FE) tolerance and body condition score (BCS) are key traits within the Kelso Genetics breeding programme, contributing to long-term productivity of commercial flocks.
Matt Holden and Olivia Ellis work alongside Hamish, bringing a dynamic team approach to the genetics business. Together, they support 150 clients across New Zealand. Breeding and supplying productive rams is central to the business, closely followed by building a strong community of ram clients: happy farmers with great sheep.
Kelso Team - From Left to right Matt Holden (People), Olivia Ellis (Operations), Hamish Bibby (Sheep).
- Kelso.M, Kelso.X, Kelso.FE Gold
- Onga Onga/Omakere, Central Hawke’s Bay
Hamish Bibby farms across 1,220 hectares in Central Hawkes Bay. The system includes 4,000 ewes, 1,600 ewe hoggets, 1,500 ram hoggets, and 75 rams, alongside 3,000 trade lambs. Cattle numbers include 200 breeding cows, 120 heifers and 200 R1 bulls.
The Kelso breeding strategy is based on a disciplined approach with a large scale, recorded base, which we upgrade and modify as farmer needs change.
To maximise the rate of genetic gain we engage the best geneticists in the business. We work closely with the team at AbacusBio, using their ANI-MATE software system to improve our genetic diversity, reduce the risk of inbreeding and maintain ewe productivity.
- Breeding Traits:
- Reproduction. Reliable performance that delivers year on year.
- Survival. DNA parentage, so ewes can lamb unassisted on the hills.
- Growth. Kelso's dominant trait with industry leading performance.
- Body Condition. Sheep that can maintain condition year round in challenging environments.
- Meat. High yielding carcasses, using the MyoMAX gene.
- Hogget Reproduction. Selecting early maturing females for hogget lambing.
- WormFEC. Testing and selecting for their resistance to parasites.
- Dag Score. Using the 6-point scoring scale ranging from 0 to 5.
- Facial Eczema. Sired by rams that rank in the top 50% for FE across all FE recorded flocks.
- Wool. Weighing and selecting, even fault free fleeces for once a year shearing.
- Adult Size. A moderate size ewe for efficiency.