We offer a genetics package which assist breeders to identify the most productive animals to breed from, then distribute the genes of top performing rams and ewes through our artificial breeding services.
We are experienced operators who offer a professional, friendly and efficient service.
Julia Aspinall
M. Sc., Dip. Mgt., DTM
Julia’s childhood years were spent on a remote high-country sheep and cattle station in the Southern Alps of New Zealand.
“On return to NZ I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. I became involved in some of NZ’s largest goat and sheep embryo transfer programmes where I learned skills in intrauterine Artificial Insemination (AI) and Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET). The next opportunity was with MAFTechnology’s Animal Business Group. Here one of my roles was to support sheep breeders with their performance recording and sire referencing. This stimulated a strong interest in the genetic improvement of sheep flocks not only through artificial breeding, but also though accurate identification of animals with the most productive and therefore most profitable genes. In 1991 I established Genetic Gains to carry out artificial breeding services and in 2001 had the opportunity to take over the local Invercargill Sheep Improvement Ltd. (SIL) Bureau. This allowed Genetic Gains to offer a complete genetics package to sheep breeders including:
- the identification of elite animals through the SIL Bureau,
- the distribution and use of these genes through the Woodlands AB Centre and
- the provision of AI and MOET services.
In 2020 the AB Centre was relocated from Woodlands, Southland to the Alexandra area in Otago and is now known as the Earnscleugh AB Centre.
Genetic Gains provides a professional, friendly and efficient service with honesty and integrity. We need our clients to achieve the very best possible outcome from our services and will strive to do our very best to enable this to be achieved. Our clients are very passionate about their stud breeding operations, and it is an absolute privilege to work with them.
Until 2018 Genetic Gains was in Invercargill but is now based in Wanaka. I thoroughly enjoy living in this stunningly beautiful environment with the lake and mountains and in my spare time I can be found on walking or mountain biking adventures (on a Me Bike, not an E Bike)!”
Tarryn Benton B. Ag. Sci. Hons
Data Manager, SIL Bureau
Tarryn grew up on Sheep and Beef Farms around Southland including Jeff Farm, Mavora Lakes and Mount Linton. Ironically, she is now back with her own young family living and working on Jeff Farm!
Tarryn completed her schooling at Southland Girls High School before heading off to Lincoln University where she gained an Agricultural Science Degree. Here her interest in Animal Breeding broadened. She gained First Class Honours in her final year of study, completing her honours project with Romney New Zealand looking at Pleurisy and the cost to the industry.
After University she worked for Landcorp’s Rangitaiki Station in Taupo as a Farm Technician before a short trip overseas. On return, she gained employment with LIC’s Deer Improvement in Balfour, Southland where she learnt a lot more about genetics and animal breeding programmes. This was supplemented with further study through the University of New England in Armidale, Australia. Between then and now, Tarryn as become a mother to 3 and has moved around the countryside with her husband Mike’s farm management roles.
Tarryn thoroughly enjoys her role as Data Manager at Genetic Gains. She has learnt a lot and is relishing learning more about animal breeding and the future of New Zealand’s sheep flock. She finds it exciting to be involved and watch the progress.
Tarryn enjoys running and hiking, playing squash, cooking and gardening, sunny lake days with the boat and spending time with family and friends.
Jaime Moore
Assistant AI Technician and Data Manager
Jaime is originally from the Geraldine area. After leaving school, she trained as a Phlebotomy Technician and qualified as a Medical Laboratory Technician through the New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Science. She has worked in the human health industry in Queenstown, the UK, Timaru and is currently working part time at Clyde Hospital.
She has experience in a diverse range of employment including blood sampling stock for South Pacific Sera, Customs Officer for the NZ Customs Service, control of Wilding Pines with High
Country Contracting and as a Resource Management Officer for Environment Canterbury. She has also attended a cow Artificial Insemination (AI) course.
Jaime’s partner is a shepherd on a Merino stud, and she enjoys helping with general stock work including mustering, tailing, weighing fleeces, side sampling of fleeces etc.
Jaime joined the Genetic Gains team in the breeding season of 2024 as our assistant sheep AI Technician where her understanding of medical procedures is an asset! Later in the same year she joined our SIL Bureau team as a Data Manager. Her accuracy when inputting data into SIL is very much appreciated!
Jaime is passionate about working with and helping animals, both domestic and livestock. In her spare time, she enjoys helping on the farm, hunting, hiking, rugby and horse riding
Denby Lawlor B. Ag. Com.
Data Operator, SIL Bureau
Denby grew up on her parents Sheep farm just outside of Gore. Her passion for sheep genetics developed through involvement in their flocks recording and breeding program. She completed her schooling at Gore High School, before attending Lincoln University. Here she gained her Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture). During her last year at University, she established her own Texel flock.
After university she gained employment shepherding on a 550ha Sheep and Beef farm, before heading overseas for 2 months. During her time overseas she visited some pedigree flocks, learning about the differences in farm systems and recording systems. After coming back from overseas, she has relished the opportunity to pick up the skill of eye muscle scanning and has just completed her first season.
Denby enjoys her role as a data operator, as she has learnt a lot about the ‘behind the scenes’ of the reports presented to the client. She is enjoying interacting with clients helping them to achieve the desired outcome as well as learning about different ways animals are being recorded.
In her spare time Denby enjoys hiking, running, long drives, A&P show involvement and camping.
Olivia Maat B. Sc.
Report Manager, SIL Bureau
Olivia started working at Genetic Gains in June 2025. She has a strong interest in all things genetics and animal health related. She has experience working in a veterinary clinic and assisting with cattle artificial insemination. She has completed her Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science and Graduate Certificate in Commerce at Lincoln University.
Olivia grew up and remains in the Canterbury area, living on a dairy farm with her partner. She is also interested in skiing, pottery, gardening and spending time on the farm.
Our Mission
To facilitate the genetic improvement of New Zealand’s sheep industry through the provision of quality animal breeding services; tools which allow sheep breeding to progress into the future with confidence.
