Merino wool is grown by woolgrowers who raise Merino sheep on farms. Australian woolgrowers manage sheep health, pasture and land, harvesting Merino wool through shearing. Sheep are shorn at least once a year to manage the natural growth of the fleece and maintain their wellbeing. After the wool is shorn, it is classed and prepared for sale before entering the global wool supply chain for processing into textile products. Australia is the world’s largest producer of Merino wool, with Australian woolgrowers caring for Merino sheep across a range of farming regions.
What is a woolgrower?
A woolgrower raises sheep to produce wool fibre. Woolgrowers care for sheep throughout the year, managing their health, nutrition and welfare while producing wool that is sold into the textile supply chain.
Many Australian woolgrowing farms continue to be family owned and operated, with generations of woolgrowers contributing to the development of the Merino wool industry across more than 200 years of wool production in Australia.
Woolgrowers are responsible for:
- Raising and caring for sheep
- Managing pasture and farm environments
- Harvesting wool through shearing
- Preparing wool for sale into the wool supply chain
Where is Merino wool grown?
Merino wool is produced in several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and parts of South America. Merino sheep are well suited to a wide range of climates, which is why Merino wool can be produced across different regions of the world. Australia produces a large share of the world’s fine Merino wool and is globally recognised for its Merino wool industry.
Australian woolgrowers operate across diverse landscapes, from higher rainfall regions on the eastern seaboard to the drier pastoral areas in western and inland Australia. Many woolgrowers work to preserve, protect and improve the natural resources of their farms by using tools such as Natural Capital Accounting and programs like Woolmark+, which support the measurement and management of environmental indicators on woolgrowing properties.
Australian Merino woolgrowing regions
Roseville Park, New South Wales
Roseville Park is a Merino woolgrowing property in New South Wales producing fine Merino wool. The woolgrowing property is managed by fifth-generation woolgrower, Matthew Coddington, whose breeding approach focuses on producing high-quality Merino sheep.
“As a farmer, there are two things we do. We harvest sunlight and water and we turn that sunlight and water into grass. That’s all wool needs to grow. Grass. It’s just natural.”
Matthew Coddington, fifth-generation woolgrower, Roseville Park.
Tiverton, Victoria
Tiverton in Victoria’s Western District produces fine Merino wool from an 800-hectare farm managing several thousand Merino sheep. The wool averages around 15.5 microns and is used in high-quality textile applications. The property is managed by Tim Hill and co-owned by Harry Youngman and Nigel Sharp.
“There is such a complexity to native grasslands that we don’t, and can’t, fully appreciate, and we can always do a better job by marshalling the available resources and expertise.”
Tim Hill, manager, Tiverton.
Red Gully, Western Australia
Red Gully near Esperance on the south-east coast of Western Australia runs approximately 7000 Merino sheep across a 1,850-hectare property. The farm produces fine Merino wool averaging around 18 microns, suitable for next-to-skin apparel and tailoring.
“As a custodian of the land I want to improve it for future generations.”
Dave Vandenberghe, woolgrower, Red Gully.
Glenelg Estate, Tasmania
Glenelg Estate in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley produces Superfine Australian Merino wool and runs approximately 16,500 Merino sheep. The property has been operated by the Downie family for six generations, continuing a long history of Merino wool production in the region.
“Our focus has been to minimise our impact on the land over a long period of time, so that the land is secure for whoever manages Glenelg after us.”
Charles Downie, woolgrower, Glenelg Estate.
How is Merino wool harvested?
Merino wool is harvested through shearing, the process of clipping the fleece that sheep naturally grow. Sheep are shorn at least once a year to maintain their wellbeing and manage wool growth. Trained shearers use specialised equipment to clip the fleece efficiently. After shearing, the fleece is:
- Skirted and cleaned
- Classed according to fibre quality
- Prepared for auction or sale
The wool then enters the global wool supply chain, where it is processed into yarns and textile products.
FAQs
Why do sheep need to be shorn?
Sheep naturally grow wool continuously. Shearing clips the fleece so sheep remain comfortable and healthy, allowing the wool fibre to be harvested for textile use.
How often are Merino sheep shorn?
Most Merino sheep are shorn once a year, depending on climate, wool growth and farm management practices.
Which countries produce Merino wool?
Merino wool is produced in several countries including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and parts of South America. Australia produces a large share of the world’s fine Merino wool.
GLOSSARY
Woolgrower: A farmer who raises sheep to produce wool fibre for the global textile supply chain.
Shearing: The process of clipping wool fleece from sheep by using specialised equipment.
Fleece: Wool shorn from a sheep during shearing.
Skirting: The process of removing lower-quality edges from a freshly shorn fleece before wool is classed and prepared for sale.
Wool classing: The process of sorting wool according to fibre characteristics such as fineness, length and strength before sale.
About this content
This content has been developed using Woolmark information about Merino wool production.