The Merino Story
Our family passion for merino sheep has spanned 5 generations at Deepwater Station giving us 145 years of genetic improvement and environmental adaptation to produce the softest, brightest and most comfortable superfine and ultrafine merino fibre available. Combine with this the New England regions renowned ability to produce clean, healthy, strong wool and you have an unbeatable product.
To make the most of the genetic potential and favourable climate, the sheep must be managed properly. We run our sheep in a management system which is keenly focused on animal welfare, environmental sustainability and chemical free production, as well as fibre production.
Animal Welfare
There are no mulesed sheep on Deepwater Station. Our sheep have been bred for many years to make mulesing and chemical application to prevent flystrike unnecessary.
High quality merino is only produced from healthy, contented sheep. At Deepwater Station this is guaranteed by allowing sheep to roam in pastures with good access to clean water and shade.
Our intensive rotational grazing system guarantees a constant supply of good quality natural pasture to eat.
Environmental Sustainability
The other reason we use intensive rotational grazing is to mimic the natural herd movement of sheep and cattle which allows long periods of recovery for the pastures after grazing. This means stronger, healthier and faster growing plants leading to increased ground cover, healthier soil and greater carbon sequestration.
Our clean water program involves protecting waterways and their tributaries to ensure clean run off. Part of this is fencing off the Deepwater River and surrounds which meanders through Deepwater Station. This protects and nurtures the fragile ecosystems along the river and provides habitat for numerous native animals, birds and fish. Our move towards a chemical free production system also means no fertiliser or chemical residue in water running into the river.
Chemical Free Production System
On Deepwater Station we only use natural fertilizers, zero herbicides and zero pesticides. There are no chemical applications to the wool at all. The few remaining animal health care products, which are drenches for internal parasites, are being phased out as improved animal health allows. Our more organic approach is visible in the health of our land, animals and the tensile strength and lustre of our fibre.
We are working very hard at looking after our sheep to grow a magnificent fibre while improving the environment and its natural systems. The results are really starting to become obvious.
We are proud of our sheep, our fibre and the way they are grown. We hope you like it too.
Deepwater Station produces various lines of merino in the 14 to 17 micron range.