Story: Sheep farming

Tailing time in the high country, 1950

Tailing time in the high country, 1950

This Merino lamb is about to have its tail removed. This is often done with rubber rings or a tailing iron, but this farmer is using a knife. Lambs’ tails are removed to stop dags and stained wool building up, which would make them prone to fly strike (flies laying their eggs on a living animal). Also, sheep with tails take longer to crutch and shear.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: AAQT 6401 A9694

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How to cite this page:

Hugh Stringleman and Robert Peden, 'Sheep farming - The seasonal round', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/16678/tailing-time-in-the-high-country-1950 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Hugh Stringleman and Robert Peden, published 24 Nov 2008, updated 1 Mar 2015