MERINO; SUPER-FINE & SUPER-FRIENDLY

Madrigal Yarns Merino is spun from Superfine Merino fleece, with a maximum of 19.5 Micron and 85mm staple. There is actually no difference in the yarn quality, softness or colour range between the two types of certified “cruelty free” products described below. It is just a matter of how these are certified:

NewMerino®

Until April 2019, Madrigal Yarns were manufactured solely from 100% pure Australian Merino Wool skeins, sourced from fleece carrying the NewMerino® certification.  

Australian Merino sheep have wrinkly skin, and are typically prone to fly-strike, often resulting in disease and death of the animal. In the 1930’s the practice of “mulesing” emerged to combat this.  In this procedure, excess skin around the strike area (tail) is surgically removed at a young age to reduce the risk of fly infestation.  Although this is standard practice in Australia with Merino sheep, mulesing is controversial with consumers.

NewMerino® is an independent brand established in 2006 whose purpose is to certify fleece that is mulesing free and farmed to specific standards, with the aim to provide assurance of quality and provenance.

For suppliers to obtain NewMerino® certification, they must prove particular farm standards, animal welfare standards, demonstrate that assessment protocols are in place, and adhere to a strict shearing code of conduct.

For more information please visit

www.newmerino.com.au

AWEX certified NWD Non Mulesed Merino yarn

This Merino fleece may be produced from the same sheep and same farms as New Merino® however the only difference is that it is certified at the source by farm owners, managers and wool classers prior to shearing. Sheep are identified as non mulesed, and a series of stringent standards are followed for fleece to be awarded NM (Non - Mulesed) certification.