Superfine merino wool suppliers host NZ Young Farmers members

NZ Young Farmers members have visited an Otago farm supplying superfine merino wool to an Italian mill.

The trip was part of the annual Otago/Southland regional weekend, which attracted 40 members.

‘‘Some of them had never seen merino wool before and were amazed at how soft it was to touch,’’ said casual shepherd Georgia Hendrie.

Georgia is a member of Middlemarch-based Strath Taieri Young Farmers which hosted the weekend.

Matarae Station is a 5,500 hectare property nestled between the Rock and Pillar Range and the Strath Taieri Plain.

It’s owned by the Jones family and Willie Jones spoke to the group.

‘‘Their superfine merino wool is in demand around the world,’’ said Georgia.

‘‘They have a deal to supply their fleece to Italian mill Reda, which makes fabric for high-end clothing.’’

The weekend started with breakfast in Middlemarch and a talk from shearing contractor Peter Lyon.

‘‘He’s quite inspiring. Peter’s one of the new generation of shearers.

‘‘He has guidelines which aim to make the profession more appealing,’’ she said.

‘‘The best bit was meeting people from other areas. It’s always great to hear how their clubs are going.’’ - Casual shepherd Georgia Hendrie.

‘‘He told us the industry is struggling to find young people to replace shearers who retire.’’

The group also visited Macraes Mine.

The region’s Stock Judging Competition was held in conjunction with the weekend.

Strath Taieri Young Farmers member Elizabeth Graham took out first place.

‘‘It was an awesome result. Liz is studying to be a vet nurse,’’ said Georgia.

Georgia has only lived in Middlemarch for two years and this was her first time attending a regional weekend.

‘‘The best bit was meeting people from other areas. It’s always great to hear how their clubs are going.’’