National Merino Ambassador: Matthew Martin
National Merino Ambassadors is an initiative put together by the AASMB to bring together a pool of passionate young people in the Merino Industry who have generously volunteered to contribute their time and skills by helping promote the Merino.
Matthew was born into a multi-generational farming family. His passion for agriculture started from a very young age and he was particularly fascinated by Merino Sheep. After graduating from Longerenong Ag College with an Advance Diploma in Agriculture he returned home, stepping into the Farm Manager role in the family business, based in Deniliquin, NSW. It was here that the family’s Old Cobran Poll Merino Stud was based. Matthew was tasked with the operations of the stud, as well as 10,000 commercial ewes and 150 beef cows.
“As business grew and developed, so did my passion to put a more centralised focus on the Merino Stud.”
In early 2015, Matthew made the decision to relocate to the family’s Mullengandra property near Holbrook, NSW. The property, ‘Mullameah’ consists of 4,500 acres, with an annual rainfall of 750mm. Old Cobram Poll Merino Stud now comprises 500 stud ewes. There are also 5000 commercial ewes and 200 Angus breeding cows.
“Merino sheep are best suited to our business model and environment, as they are extremely flexible and adaptive, allowing a dual-income stream through both the wool and meat qualities they possess. As a result, I see longevity for the Merino breed for many generations to come.”