Merino

The Merino is historically associated with Spain, where fine-wool sheep were prized for centuries and their export was long restricted. From the eighteenth century onward Merinos were dispersed to other countries, where distinct national and regional strains were developed. In Australia in particular the Merino became the foundation of a major fine-wool industry, with several recognised strains selected for different environments and wool types.

Merinos are typically white-faced sheep of small to medium size, carrying a dense fleece of fine, well-crimped wool. Rams are frequently horned and ewes usually polled, and some strains carry loose skin or neck folds while others are relatively plain-bodied. The defining feature across strains is the fineness of the wool relative to most other breeds.

Wool

Selected primarily for fineness, softness, and fleece characteristics suited to high-value apparel textiles.

Meat

A secondary output in many systems; some strains and crosses place greater emphasis on carcass traits.

Merinos are widely kept on extensive pasture and rangeland, and Australian and similar strains are noted for hardiness under semi-arid and variable rangeland conditions. Management centres on wool production, including shearing and fleece handling, alongside general grazing husbandry. The breed and its derivatives are distributed across major wool-producing regions worldwide, including Australia, South Africa, South America, and parts of Europe and North America.