Why Merino Sheep?
Merino sheep are noted for their fine wool, hardiness and herding instincts. Having a cleft lip allows these sheep to graze on just about everything. Therefore, thousands of acres of poor, rocky soil make fine grazing land for merinos. Since sheep required extensive pastures for grazing, many small farms were consolidated into larger ones. From late April or early May until November the sheep were kept in the pastures. After the first frost until the following spring they were kept under shelters with fenced yards and fed hay and oats or corn. Owners were always careful to provide salt and plenty of water for the animals. As with any farm the workers also had to do planting, harvesting, cutting, and slaughtering.
