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.
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