Merino

The hot topic at the moment is New Zealand’s wool quality challenges to position both merino and strong wool with a positive future. Following our release of the annual Merino Review magazine, Sarah Perriam-Lampp discusses merino clip tenderness and improvements through farmer education, the rise of female wool classers and wool research’s renewed mission to return better value to farmers.

If you follow good genetic principles, you make good progress. Words Dr Mark Ferguson.

Tough times in New Zealand and globally have taken their toll on the luxury goods market, and New Zealand’s merino sector is no exception.
In this episode, we hear from those who know merino best, and how they’re planning to overcome challenges related to financial recession, and overseas regulations, that demand higher quality and processing accountability. We also look at how new technologies in the AI and genetics space could help enhance merino quality. Hear from NZ Merino CEO Angus Street, neXtgen Agri Co-Founder & Director Mark Ferguson, and Devold New Zealand General Manager Craig Smith.

Groundbreaking Australian-based technology is reshaping the way New Zealand merino growers will, in real-time, provide micron testing at shearing, as well as prove its provenance to the end consumer. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp

Mt Nicholas Merino are on a mission to share their ethos for an environmentally responsible way of life well beyond their remote farm gate with the launch of their ever expanding range of heirloom merino goods. Words Lucinda Diack

Honesty has been a hard thing for marketers of wool to deliver on in the fashion industry, with an archaic way of trading wool hindering the full traceability, one merino industry expert says. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp

A South Island trip more than 20 years ago led not only to an enduring friendship but two passionate Northland advocates for Merino genetics. Story by Glenys Christian. Photos: Malcolm Pullman.