Golden Dreams

Golden Dreams

As a younger man, I spent a fair bit of time working in the sheep industry, both in the Great Southern and Wheatbelt regions of Western Australia and on pastoral leases in outback WA. Taken just north of the Stirling Ranges, this image speaks to me about the hopes and dreams of so many who set out to forge a new life in the vast expanse of inland Western Australia.

Sheep farming in the Great Southern dates back to the early 19th century when European settlers introduced livestock to the area. The mild climate and fertile soils provided ideal conditions for grazing. Initially, sheep were brought for their meat, but it soon became evident that the quality of wool produced here was exceptional.

By the mid-19th century, wool became a primary export from the region. The introduction of breeds like Merino further enhanced the industry, producing fine wool sought after in European markets. This period saw the rise of large sheep properties, many of which remain operational today. The Katanning Sheep Saleyards, located in Katanning, Western Australia, are renowned as the largest undercover sheep saleyards in the Southern Hemisphere.

If you would like to know more about the sheep and wool industry in Western Australia, why not plan a visit to the Wagin Woolarama, an annual agricultural field day and community event held in Wagin, Western Australia. It is one of the largest agricultural shows in the state and is renowned for celebrating rural industries, particularly focusing on wool and livestock. Whilst you are there, you can check out The Giant Ram (a 9m high and 13m long merino ram).

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