Sustainability and Renewable Merino

 

Wool runs on grass

 

The primary inputs for wool production are water, sunshine and fertile soils to grow grass – the primary diet of sheep.

As such merino production inherently has the potential of being fully sustainable providing it is operated within the carrying capacity of the ecosystem.

NewMerino® suppliers are required to operate their farming business in an ethical and regenarative manner.

They must operate, or be in the process of implementing, a grazing management strategy based on long term sustainability.

The management system must embrace holistic farming principals with the goal of developing a resilient ecosystem that can regenerate, withstand stress and rebuild itself when necessary.

This goal should be to aim for 100% ground cover all year, with a focus on perennial grasses to regenerate the ecology and increase biodiversity.

Holistic farming principles include:

- Clear goals for the  people involved
– Clear goals for the land in use
– Clear goals for the business
- Clear goals for the management of livestock

The management process should involve:

- Reviewing these strategies regularly
– Making decision with these goals in mind
– Monitoring the health of your land, your business and the people involved