The foundation of the Koonwarra Merino stud dates back to 1908. The stud was founded in 1947 by J.S. Williams with the purchase of 50 ewes, which had been mated to Wanganella F. No. 83 bred ram from Elielwah, NSW F. No. 34. In 1950 the stud was supplemented from the Williams’ Thalaba flock, which had commenced in 1908 with Springfield F. No. 73 rams being used. From 1923 until 1936, rams used were Haddon Rig F. No. 48 blood. Murgha F. No. 437 rams were purchased from that date to 1951. In 1951, the name of the stud was changed from ‘Malabah’ to Koonwarra. Over recent times, genetics from Merryville and Uardry have been utilised and in 1979 Koonwarra purchased 268 ewes from the Manderley Stud dispersal. With the unique blend of Merryville and Peppin genetics, the Koonwarra sheep have developed into large frame, heavy cutting fine/medium wool sheep, with hearty constitution and prepotency to breed true to type.

Four generations of the Williams’ family very successfully developed the stud up to 1998, when it was purchased in its entirety by Charles Curran’s Narruc Investments, and relocated to Noojee Lea, Canowindra. In 1998 the Victorian Ram of the Year, Glendonald 6.25 was purchased by Koonwarra at Dubbo ram sales for $20,000. Sires have since been introduced from daughter stud Nerstane through an AI program, along with a share in Merryville BG, who was purchased in 2001 at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo for $30,000.

A typical Koonwarra foundation sire, noted for depth, length and ability to cut soft handling wool.

The Koonwarra stud sheep have been at the forefront of fine/medium wool genetics for several decades, having won major championships and awards at all major shows in the Eastern States. Also their bloodlines and Koonwarra clients have competed successfully at major wether and ewe competitions across NSW and Victoria.

A testament to this is the fact that Koonwarra won its first Stonehaven Cup in 1972, with 11 further wins over the years, and has been a placegetter in all-subsequent years to 1999. The stud has sold rams and semen to Merino studs in all mainland states of Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand and Argentina.

In January 2006 Koonwarra Merino Stud commenced a new partnership between Mr Charles Curran and his family and Mr Charlie Merriman and his family, with the Koonwarra Merino Stud moving to Little Range Boorowa NSW. This management continues that partnership with Mr Stuart Hodgson, and appreciates his work, support and knowledge as the stud classer, now and in the years ahead.