| 65 Merino marketing business ourishing Glenbrook Station has 400ha of cropping under irrigation. Ben helping out in the shed during shearing (below). Karen Phelps Developing their own marketing business SH8 Merino, with Dallas based business partner Chris White, has been a hugely successful way to add value to their wool clip for Glenbrook Station owners Simon and Kirsty Williamson. The couple farms 3700ha, just south of Twizel, on State Highway 8. SH8 Merino sells not just the Glenbrook Station wool but that of other farmers as well. The wool is supplied to clients through Carr elds Primary Wool Limited. The wool is further differentiated in the market, as it is Responsible Wool Standard accredited, giving clients traceability of product from farm to nished garment. SH8 Merino works closely Global Merino owner Jose Fernandez, a forward thinking company integrating merino into innovative fabrics. Jose introduced SH8 Merino to the owners of First Lite, which produces quality technical hunting clothing. MEAT & WOOL » Glenbrook Station Science based approach key • from page 64 farming in an increasingly complex and demanding environment. “We’re also about inspiring the next generation and providing important leadership along with supporting rural communities and environments.” He also feels the only constructive pathway forward at this time of climate change and demands on the farming sector is to turn to a factual science based approach, removing the emotive energy. “It’s about nding solutions and the only way to do this is to look to science. This includes the ood of regulation some of which is poorly thought out, some unworkable and some made by people that haven’t spent time on a working New Zealand farm.” Having said this though Kerry says he, Pam and the boys wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. “For children, a farm life is the best experience. They see their family working and can engage in the farm more and more as they get older.” BULK CARTAGE A.C. Palmer and Sons Limited ALL FERTILISERS & LIME TO AIRSTRIPS & FARM BINS Dolomite & Lime Seed Mixes Bark Sawdust Gravel Loadrite equipped loader for accurate loading every time We are pleased to be able to provide bulk cartage services for Kerry & Pamela Irvine Brian: 027 297 8543 0800 777 144 Kevin: 027 479 4257 Simon says market demand for merino is huge, fuelled by the pandemic lockdowns where people sought comfortable clothing. With a large portion of the Glenbrook Station wool clip contracted to Global Merino and First Lite some is also retained for local auction giving a presence in each market, says Simon. Today SH8 Merino supplies 200-250 tonnes of merino each year and Simon says with demand from clients for quality merino there is room to recruit more likeminded farmers to SH8 Merino. With three-year contracts farmers have certainty and also can keep in touch with their end user market. “SH8 Merino works well for everyone along the value chain. Clients have even come to stay with us on the farm so they could see our operation and had faith in where their wool was coming from. For us it’s important to have that relationship and know where our wool is going • to page 66
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