The Merino sheep are tightly woven into the foundling story of Australia – the world’s largest merino wool producer. During the 18th century,
the British navy halted merino-wool imports from Saxony and Spain, hence allowing Australia to rise and fill the gap. The original stock had
been introduced via the Second Fleet, and crossbred to reach a current population of around 70 million, with some 70% descended from
that original foundling flock.
Analby Station, is home to the oldest Merino Stud in South Australia. The story of Anlaby pure luxury merino products is one of history,
provenance and attention to detail. The products showcase one of the most luxurious, practical and sustainable fibres in the world. Merino
wool.
The history of Anlaby reads like an historical adventure story. In 1839, one of the most amazing movements of stock in the fledgling colony
Australia was undertaken. In a journey of approximately 750 miles (1,210 Kms) and taking six months, Alexander Buchanan, newly arrived
from Canada, led a venture to overland a mob of approximately 18,000 sheep from south eastern NSW to Adelaide. This is approximately the
distance from London to Prague.