The Wairua Merino Stud, Flock no. 322 was registered in 2020 with the purchase of ewes, rams and hoggets from the Mt Hay merino stud, Flock no. 163.

Mt Hay was first registered in 1954 and has had a reputation for breeding hardy sheep in a harsh environment for 65 years. 

Leading Australian stud sheep classers, Gordon McMaster originally, followed by Stuart Hodgson and latterly Michael Elmes have been involved extensively in sire selection and breeding. 

Since the mid 1980’s sires used in the stud have predominantly been Peppin bloodlines from Australia mostly through Artificial Insemination.

Influential studs have been:

• Koonwarra Merino Stud N.S.W.

• Condomar Merino Stud N.S.W.

• Wonga Merino Stud N.S.W.

• Woodyarrup Merino Stud W.A.

• Charinga/Banavie Merino Studs Vic.

• Nerstane Merino Stud N.S.W.

• Wanganella Merino Stud N.S.W.

• Collinsville Merino Stud S.A.