We have Merino sheep from a research flock developed by the University of Nevada, Reno (College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources). The flock was originally started over 30 years ago and is now globally recognized for its fine, soft wool and flavorful meat.

The flock is a crossbreed of the Merino, and also the Rambouillet sheep, a large, hardy breed that thrives in extreme climates and sparse forage conditions, and the Australian Merino, which is also reared in similar arid climates in Australia (also found in New Zealand), and is renowned for its superfine, premium wool.

The local Merino sheep project began with a partnership among the University, the E.L Wiegand Foundation and the Rafter 7 Ranch, located 21 miles south of Yerington, Nevada, along the East Walker River.

The foundation of the breed is the Rambouillet sheep, developed by the French government in the late 18th century in Rambouillet, France, from a selection of Spain’s best Merino sheep. They were first imported to the U.S. in the mid-19th century and selectively bred to meet the needs of American sheep producers. Today, they are raised on the Western ranges of the U.S. as the cornerstone of profitability in the sheep industry.

Learn More: https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2024/rafter-7-merino-sheep