We run a self-replacing flock of non-mulesed Merino’s. They have very plain bodies without the heavy wrinkle traditional merino’s have. Our tests average 17 to 18 micron, progressing to achieve a minimum of 65mm every 6 months.

We have taken our breeding program to a quality we are comfortable with, so will now be transitioning over to running more wethers which we will trial shearing every 8 months for a slightly longer staple length of 80mm.

By 2021 we hope to be producing around 150 bales of 17 micron, 80mm wool per year from our wethers. And another 100 bales of 65mm wool, from our breeding ewes each year.

We will keep striving to improve our flock by continuing to use high quality Leahcim or Kelvale Rams selected on A.S.B.V.’s (Australian Sheep Breeding Values) to suit our needs, and carefully classing our Ewe Lambs each year.

Examples of our free-growing style of wool.

One of our key points is we do not mules.

We tried mulesing in the mid 2000’s for a few years. What we found is that it restricted the growth of the lambs quite substantially for the following few weeks or months. We did not notice any difference in the amount of fly-struck sheep with or without mulesing. Therefore mulesing was ceased in 2008.

All livestock are treated with an annual 6 in 1.

Selenium and Cobalt Pellets are used on Wallaby Run as required for retained stock. And mineral lick blocks are also provided to all stock.

We do our own sheep worm egg counts and drench accordingly.

A full history of treatments can be provided on each animal.

We currently shear every 6 months in September and March but may be trialling an 8 month shearing for the wethers in the coming years, to get the length slightly higher to appeal more to the spinners. Shearing the ewes every 6 months seems to have other unforeseen advantages, such as the ewes taking their new born lambs into shelter because they themselves are cold. This has helped with weaned lamb percentages.

Our main lambing time is May to June each year, with our lambs weaned for the spring pastures. All of our merinos are the progeny of top quality Leahcim or Kelvale rams. We have been breeding this style of merino since 2008.

We do not try to run high numbers. Instead we have a more realistic stocking rate. This means our animals are always in prime condition, which in turn causes them to grow longer heavier fleeces and have higher lambing percentages.

We believe farming livestock doesn’t have to impact the environment in a negative way.

23% of Wallaby Run consists of Native bushland which we do not graze, it is left entirely to the native flora and fauna. Any new fences around bush or creek lines are designed to let kangaroos and wallabies pass through without damaging the fence or injuring themselves.

In the Adelaide Hills we have planted thousands of native trees & shrubs, and have fenced off 30ha of water ways/gullies. We also have a fenced off 30ha bush block, which is one of the few remaining natural areas in the eastern Adelaide Hills. We often receive visits from various government, university, and private organisations to view and monitor the rare flora on the block.

Both properties are home to thousands of native birds, animals and reptiles which are all fully protected. We are also members of the Private Bushland Group and the Native Animal Network, and have a number of hand raised orphans at the homestead.