A visit to a fine wool flock
Driving up through the centre of the South Island I was amazed how dry it is and the transformation of land with irrigation made dairy farming possible in large parts of this area. However the farm I visited decided not to irrigate due to the cost. The farm I visited is 18,500 ha ranging from 500 to 2000 metres above sea level. Merinos are the only animals on the farm. There are 14,000 ewes, 8,000 hoggets, and 1,000 rams with a mean fibre diameter of 12.5 microns producing 80 tons of wool. The breeding programme has been in place for 30 years and has enabled them to screen 200,000 sheep for diameter, fleece weight and quality. All sheep in the flock are objectively measured for micron and clean fleece weight. Prior to shearing, micron and yield are measured by mid-side sampling of all animals as hogget’s. At shearing these results are used for classing the wool into lines of pre selected micron ranges (using the 9 way auto drafter). Fleeces are also weighed at this time to allow assessment to select superior animals. As well as using objectively measured data, these sheep undergo a rigorous visual assessment for structural soundness and wool quality prior to qualifying for the Elite and commercial flocks. The Elite Flock is used for breeding the stud rams that continue the unique process of producing superior ultra fine fibres. 
Rams are sold as four tooths to their client base at the annual auction in early January. The flock objectives are to produce maximum quantities and superior quality ultra fine Merino wool by reducing fibre diameter (micron), increasing clean fleece weight, reducing CV to reduce variability within the fleece and within the flock, producing and maintaining structurally sound and healthy animals, producing quality fibre. The merinos lamb in October, then the lambs are marked end November/early December. They are currently being weaned and then they are shearing next week and they will go out to the high country. At tupping time (10th May) they come back down to the low country and are weekly moved. Most ewes cut a 4kg fleece. 3.7kg is the average fleece weight including the hoggets. What amused me most about the merinos is their social behaviour. Often seen in groups, lines or even circles. Helicopters are used for mustering sheep and most farm tasks on this farm.
Driving up through the centre of the South Island I was amazed how dry it is and the transformation of land with irrigation made dairy farming possible in large parts of this area. However the farm I visited decided not to irrigate due to the cost. The farm I visited is 18,500 ha ranging from 500 to 2000 metres above sea level. Merinos are the only animals on the farm. There are 14,000 ewes, 8,000 hoggets, and 1,000 rams with a mean fibre diameter of 12.5 microns producing 80 tons of wool. The breeding programme has been in place for 30 years and has enabled them to screen 200,000 sheep for diameter, fleece weight and quality. All sheep in the flock are objectively measured for micron and clean fleece weight. Prior to shearing, micron and yield are measured by mid-side sampling of all animals as hogget’s. At shearing these results are used for classing the wool into lines of pre selected micron ranges (using the 9 way auto drafter). Fleeces are also weighed at this time to allow assessment to select superior animals. As well as using objectively measured data, these sheep undergo a rigorous visual assessment for structural soundness and wool quality prior to qualifying for the Elite and commercial flocks. The Elite Flock is used for breeding the stud rams that continue the unique process of producing superior ultra fine fibres. 
Rams are sold as four tooths to their client base at the annual auction in early January. The flock objectives are to produce maximum quantities and superior quality ultra fine Merino wool by reducing fibre diameter (micron), increasing clean fleece weight, reducing CV to reduce variability within the fleece and within the flock, producing and maintaining structurally sound and healthy animals, producing quality fibre. The merinos lamb in October, then the lambs are marked end November/early December. They are currently being weaned and then they are shearing next week and they will go out to the high country. At tupping time (10th May) they come back down to the low country and are weekly moved. Most ewes cut a 4kg fleece. 3.7kg is the average fleece weight including the hoggets. What amused me most about the merinos is their social behaviour. Often seen in groups, lines or even circles. Helicopters are used for mustering sheep and most farm tasks on this farm. 
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