SheepSheep are the natural icons of New Zealand. They outnumber New Zealand people nearly 12 to one! The green pastures of unpolluted New Zealand offer unique natural advantages that are ideal for growing superior wool.
The New Zealand flock is made up of around 45 million sheep consisting of six main sheep breeds. The sheep are largely raised for meat and wool, the sheep skins are a by-product of these large export markets.
New Zealand is the largest producer of crossbred (strong) wool contributing a third of the world total. This type of wool is used mainly in interior textiles such as carpets, upholstery, furnishings, bedding and rugs.
See our extensive range of sheepskin footwear and sheepskin rugs and more in our sheepskin slippers and sheepskin rugs on-line catalogue.
FarmingSheep are farmed on more than a third of New Zealand farms. A typical farm runs 2,500 sheep, mainly ewes (female sheep), but with younger stock and rams and usually some cattle. The stock graze the pastures all year round and rarely need supplementary feed, apart from hay and forage crops in some regions.
A large farm has 6,000-10,000 sheep, and these are found in all parts of the country. Many farms run small flocks alongside mixed farming operations such as deer, dairying and horticultural crops.
New Zealand farmers take great care in handling their sheep, and to preserve the environment.
New Zealand wool is a product of natural, healthy farm life. It is naturally strong and uniform, its versatility allows its texture to be adapted to suit and enhance many products.
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