Merino Review
Woolsheds
An extract from a new book by Dr. Annette O'Sullivan, from Massey University School of Design and renowned New Zealand photographer Jane Ussher that records the impact of the 180-year-old wool industry from iconic historic shearing sheds of Aotearoa New Zealand. Words Annette O’Sullivan, Photos Jane Ussher.
Two new sub-clover varieties
Farmers who love annual clovers can try out two more varieties from autumn 2026 tested on the Canterbury Plains as well as in Perth and eastern Australia. Words Joanna Grigg.
Lice infestation no longer at Awapiri
At their wits' end after years of failed pour-on treatments and plunge dipping, the innovation of MSD Animal Health’s Flexolt is being praised as a game-changer by Marlborough farmers, Eric and Sally Smith, as they use the first ever oral lice treatment for sheep. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Farmer-led focus group tackling drench resistance
Drench resistance has been a ticking time bomb for a while. North Canterbury veterinarian Erin Riley first saw the signs of it in the UK before she moved to New Zealand, but was confident that the evolution f combination drenches would buy enough time - she was wrong. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Proud as punch of the TotoPunch
The breakthrough of low-cost DNA parentage data across commercial flocks is here thanks to some Kiwi No. 8 wire innovation, based on modified fencing pliers and designed by a geneticist who grew up with Merino. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photo Sharron Bennett.
New indexes to dial up genetic gain
Whether you’re a Merino breeder or looking to purchase rams for a commercial flock, the new MERINOSELECT indexes can hold the key to improving a flock's genetic merit. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Match made in Merino heaven
Waihopai Downs’ Tom and Emma O’Sullivan share their passion for super-fine Merinos, kicking career goals together as they build towards their own stud at Emma’s family property, which they lease in the high country of west Marlborough. Words Joanna Grigg.
Excited by Merino’s future
Benmore Station has been the classroom for stock manager Luke Duncan to soak up knowledge in Merino breeding as the industry evolves to more dual-purpose animals. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Anna Munro.
Striving on the snow line
The management of Lake Ohau Station hasn’t changed a lot through its history of leaseholders, and current managers Tom and Sally Moore continue to farm traditionally with the limitations of a hard high country station flanked against the Southern Alps. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Anna Munro.
From the farm to Fifth Avenue
Global success hasn’t swayed Kiwi brand, Rodd & Gunn with their continued commitment to home-grown excellence from their knitted ZQRX merino wool. Words Debs Sim, photos NZ Merino.