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Did you know that there is a sheep farm seven times larger than São Paulo? With 1.046.323 hectares, the property is home to 60.000 Merino sheep and faces gigantic challenges to maintain its quality wool production.
Did you know that there is a farm of sheep in Australia that is seven times larger than the city of São Paulo?
Located in the vast Australian desert, the Rawlinna Station stands out as the largest property dedicated to sheep farming on the planet, with an impressive area of 1.046.323 hectares : .
To get an idea of the size of this farm, it would be as if you took the entire city of São Paulo and multiplied it by seven!
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Let's explore the incredible details of this gigantic farm and understand how it became a powerhouse in wool production.
Where is Rawlinna Station and what makes it unique?
According to the portal Buy Rural, Rawlinna Station is located in the heart of the Nullarbor Plain, a remote region in the southwest of Western Australia.
This area is known for its peculiar geography, which ranges from the red soils of the mining regions to the white limestones and arid landscapes.
The farm is located about 400 km east of Kalgoorlie, in the region of Goldfields-Esperance, and is home to a vast diversity of landscapes that help shape its ecosystem and operations.
The predominant vegetation is made up of drought-resistant grasses and shrubs adapted to the hot, rainless climate, in addition to some areas of sparse forests.
With its gigantic area, the farm needs a robust infrastructure to operate efficiently.
Are 37 water wells distributed in 87 main enclosures, ensuring that the herd always has access to water, even during dry periods.
Some of these perforations reach up to 140 meters deep, extracting groundwater to keep animals hydrated.
In addition, there is a supply system powered by windmills, which is crucial in a region with very little rainfall.
Wool production on the world's largest sheep farm
Production Merino wool, one of the finest and most valued on the international market, is Rawlinna's main economic driver.
The farm is home to about 60.000 sheep, all of the Merino breed, recognized for the superior quality of its wool.
In good years, production reaches impressive levels. 1.100 to 1.700 bales of wool per annum.
But in 2001, the farm broke records, shearing 78.417 sheep, which resulted in 2.177 bales of wool, a number worthy of note.
This production supplies high-demand international markets, such as the food industry. luxury clothing and technical fabrics.
The shearing process takes place in a specialized complex called Depot Outstation, founded in 1967.
This warehouse has 16 shearing platforms and accommodation for the shearers, dining rooms and even kitchens.
This is where the magic happens: the sheep are cared for and prepared to provide their valuable wool, which is one of the most sought after on the global market.
Protection and innovation on a colossal farm
Managing a herd of such magnitude in an arid and challenging environment is no easy task.
Among the main obstacles are the dingo, wild dogs that pose a constant threat to sheep.
To ensure the safety of the herd, the farm built a 3 meter high and 370 kilometer long protective fence, creating a true fortress around the flock.
In addition, a electric barrier powered by solar energy protects an additional area of 900 km², further driving away predators.
But Rawlinna Station doesn’t stop there.
To deal with the modern challenges of agriculture, the farm invests heavily in cutting edge technology.
Drones are used to monitor the herd and property, while GPS systems They facilitate livestock management and control of water resources, something essential in a place where water is such a precious commodity.
The future of the world's largest sheep farm
Recently, the Rawlinna Station was acquired by Consolidated Pastoral Company (CPC), one of the largest livestock companies in Australia.
The transaction was carried out under the “walk in, walk out”, meaning that the entire operation was acquired, including the livestock and staff.
CPC's goal is to further expand the farm's production capacity, seeking not only to increase the quantity of wool produced, but also to improve quality and efficiency, with an increasing focus on sustainable practices.
Despite the change of control, the transaction is still awaiting approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board and the government of Western Australia.
However, the CPC strategic planning has already begun, and expectations for the future are high.
With the support of technology and innovation, the farm promises to remain one of the main names in the global sheep farming scene.
A giant farm in a challenging environment
What makes the Rawlinna Station so fascinating is not only its size, but its ability to adapt and thrive in one of the most challenging environments in the world.
O Australian desert is relentless, with extreme temperatures and scarce rainfall, but the farm knew how to use the technology, strategic planning results and innovative management to transform an inhospitable terrain into a production machine.
It is no coincidence that this farm has been a model of success in the agricultural sector and continues to inspire other producers around the world.
In addition, the production of Merino wool at Rawlinna Station is not only vital to the local economy, but also aligns with the sustainability trends in the global market.
The practices of sustainable management and investment in renewable energyLike solar energy, demonstrate a growing commitment to preserving the environment.
What's next for the world's largest sheep farm?
The expectation is that Rawlinna Station continue to be a world reference not only in production volume, but also in practices sustainability process e Quality .
With CPC in command, the farm intends to expand its operations, using new technologies and innovative strategies.
The vision is clear: to make the farm even more efficient and stand out in the global market, with a focus on quality and sustainability.
Will large-scale livestock farming be fully automated and digitalized in the future? Leave your opinion in the comments below!
