Historical information

The ‘Wanganella’ merino sheep stud was established by the Peppin brothers in the Riverina in 1861. The introduction of a single French ‘Rambouillet’ Merino ram, called Emperor, is now widely acknowledged as one of the most important events in the development of the Peppin stud. As many as 70% of today’s Australian Merinos are said to be directly descended from the Peppin-developed sheep.

Its heavy fleece falls in the mid-range of Merino wool qualities (20 to 23 microns) and is protected from the excesses of the environment by a comparatively high content of natural wool grease, which can be seen in the creamy colour of Booka’s wool.

Fred Peppin said [of the sheep breed] "We were satisfied with the type of wool that the country would grow, instead of endeavouring to produce what the climate and soil continually fight against. Thus we developed all its good natural tendencies and after that the flock had a character of its own.”

Physical description

Peppin merino stud. Has a large body and long legs. Two horns protruding from its skull.