Regular sheep can’t handle it up here. But merinos have learned to hack the highlands by developing a coat of exceptionally fine wool that is highly sought after by companies such as Icebreaker. Shearing takes place in early October. The ewes are all blade shorn, and the Erewhon shed is the last on the blade shearers run. As well as providing more protection for the ewes, leaving more wool on the ewes means they don’t require as much feed as if they were machine-shorn. Huntaway and Heading Dogs are essential up here to muster this vast country. They are well fed on biscuits & concentrate from Colin’s other business Mighty Mix Dog Food. It is hard country, with 2.5ha needed for each sheep. The cheque from the wool clip barely covers costs so we supplement the farm’s income by breeding horses and offering tourists a back country experience – homestead accommodation, saddle or wagon rides including overnight treks up the valley.