Winona Stud, located near Gulgong in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia, is a premier breeder of Australian Kelpie dogs and Fine and Medium wool Merino sheep. Established by the Seis family, who have been farming in the region since 1868, Winona has evolved into one of the largest working dog studs globally, supplying Kelpies to various countries including the USA, Chile, and Norway. The property spans 2000 acres and is home to approximately 4,000 fine wool Merino sheep, managed through innovative holistic grazing methods. Winona is not only dedicated to breeding exceptional working dogs but also to producing high-quality wool and lambs for both domestic and international markets.
The history of Winona is marked by resilience and innovation. After a devastating bushfire in 1979 that destroyed much of the property and claimed thousands of sheep, Colin Seis embarked on a journey to restore the farm through sustainable agricultural practices. This led to the development of ‘pasture cropping,’ a revolutionary technique that integrates crop and pasture management to enhance soil health and productivity. Winona has since become a leader in this field, promoting sustainable farming methods that challenge traditional industrial practices and contribute to ecological restoration.
At the core of Winona’s philosophy is a commitment to sustainable agriculture and animal welfare. The Seis family believes in the importance of holistic management practices that not only benefit their livestock but also the land they cultivate. By focusing on innovative techniques such as time-controlled grazing and pasture cropping, Winona aims to set a benchmark for responsible farming. The business also emphasizes education, offering courses on pasture cropping to empower other farmers to adopt sustainable practices. With a growing interest in their methods and products, Winona is poised for continued success in the agricultural industry.