Ethos - Health & Welfare Of The Sheep

The health and happiness of a woolgrower is inextricably linked to the health and happiness of the sheep under their care.

Since 2001, Australian woolgrowers have invested millions into research and development that focuses on the health and welfare of their sheep.

The Merino is one of the world’s most ancient breeds of sheep, but the Australian Merino has specifically adapted during the past 200 years to thrive in the extremes of the Australian climate and landscape. This adaptation has enabled Australian Merino sheep to grow the finest wool in the world and while these sheep roam freely, Australian woolgrowers work tirelessly to ensure their sheep are cared for with best practise management.

We work alongside Australia’s woolgrowers to ensure Australia’s strict animal welfare laws are understood and woolgrowers have access to the best information and research available to align with these welfare laws.

The most recent research project to be initiated by Australian woolgrowers will develop a flystrike prevention vaccine. This unprecedented research is using cutting-edge genomics with the aim to produce a world-first prevention vaccine for flystrike.

Along with investing in emerging innovations in science and technology, Australian woolgrowers personally care for the wellbeing of their sheep day-in, day-out with compassion and the knowledge gained from generations living and working with nature. 

The majority of Australian wool producing farms are family owned and run. This means that families work together to manage their sheep mob and adapt their practices to suit the lifecycles of their sheep and the fluctuations of the season.

Sheep dogs are invaluable colleagues for Australian woolgrowers. Bred specifically to work with sheep, the Australian kelpie and Border Collie are the most common breeds used by woolgrowers to muster sheep.

Known for their intelligence, loyalty and hard-working nature, these working dogs are experts when it comes to mustering sheep. Woolgrowers ensure their sheep dogs are well trained to muster sheep and many woolgrowers practise low-stress handling techniques.