WAIRUA Merino Stud was founded in 1990, after a number of years of Merino Breeding, by the purchase of 2 Ballydine rams (Flock No. 3427) which were joined to 61 ewes from the existing flock, and approved by offical inspection.
In 1992, a further Ballydine ram out of SIERRA PARK TRIUMPH was introduced.

This has resulted in progeny with wide horns, clear faces with a soft muzzle, long deep bodies and soft, white, bright fleeces of good length and strength. All rams and ewes are side sampled as hoggets.

The entire flock, including Rams, are never shedded. They graze on natural pasture and forage crops, with a winter supplement of PEAK 50 blocks and Stud Mix when necessary. Show Rams may be shedded temporarily, prior to a show. Stud mix is fed only to growing lambs and hoggets.

The flock has been on a Wormkill drench programme for the past 20 years. Sheep prone to fly-strike are culled.

There is no history of Footrot, and the flock is brucellosis accredited. Introduced sheep are purchased only from Flocks free of the above. All sheep are Gudair vaccinated.

In 1997 stud ewes were purchased from Merrignee and Snowy Plains in order to increase body size, without the loss of wool quality.
Later additions have been from PETALI and MERRIGNEE Studs.

Present ewe flock average is 16.5 mic. and rams range from 15.0 to 18.5 mic. Many ribbons have been won for fleece wool, and Wairua fleece has on one occasion topped the Newcastle Wool Sale.

Enquires can be made to Ted or Marie Keighley on:
Ph: (02) 6760 7733 BH or Ph: (02) 6760 5043 evenings.