The new deal focuses on supplying its contracted farmers with 160 extra Focus Prime rams this year. 2 Sisters’ farmers could breed fast-growing lamb, with high-quality meat yield, with the added rams.
The deal came after a “successful” first year’s partnership, which saw 2 Sisters’ suppliers lease 75 Focus Prime rams.
2 Sisters’ programme manager Peter Morris said: “The project has been hugely successful in its first year in terms of take up of rams and their subsequent performance at farm level. This is an exciting project, and one of a kind outside of New Zealand.
‘Fit for the future’
“With the uncertainty surrounding farm policy, this will be a great opportunity for some sheep producers to utilise the latest genetics, build relationships with their customer, and make their business fit for the future.”
The partnership, which would see Innovis offer 2 Sisters’ farmers an opportunity to lease “high performance rams”, will benefit the supply chain from farm to fork, the processor said.
A 2 Sisters spokesman said: “This is a great opportunity for all parts of the supply chain to benefit from the farmer right through to the consumer.
‘Better uniformity and yield distribution’
“The early indications are very encouraging with better uniformity and yield distribution throughout the carcass as well as improved consistency in eating quality.”
Innovis chief executive Dewi Jones said: “We have a shared vision with 2 Sisters in developing and delivering a supply chain initiative which draws from some of the very best meat genetics globally available.”
The renewed partnership came after 2 Sisters revealed in May that it had invested £27.5M in its southwest supply chain last year. It invested £25M in its farms run by Hoko 2 Sisters – a joint venture between the owners of PD Hook and 2 Sisters – and £2.5M in the PD Hook hatchery at Kentisbeare.