In 1865, the late George Merriman founded the Ravensworth Stud in the Yass district of New South Wales.  The Merryville Stud, formerly a portion of the original Ravensworth Stud, began in a small way in 1903 and was founded on some of the purest and best Merino blood in Australia including Birangambil and Cullenbone (Mudgee) and Tasmanian studs such as Winton and Glasslough.

After the death of George Merriman in 1915, the Ravensworth Stud was divided between his three sons. After acquiring his share, Sir Walter Merriman (as he was known after his knighthood in 1954) went on to breed a type of Merino which is now known today as the "Merryville" type.

The Merryville Stud remained predominantly of 'Saxon' type until the late 1920's after which time Sir Walter selected specific Peppin sheep to join to the strongest Merryville Stud ewes.  At this time a Wanganella ram called 'Sir Francis' was purchased to create a medium wool 'family' within the stud.  Today, many of the fine/medium families can be traced back to this ram.

There are four main sections that make up the Merryville Stud, Ultra Fine – 17.3 micron, Super Fine – 18 micron, Fine – 19 micron and Medium – 20 micron. Each of these is line bred to their own type to give pre-potency and consistency and are basically four individual studs

"The class of sheep I had in mind was a big sheep with sound constitution, broad soft, open face, a deep plain neck, with well sprung ribs, broad brisket and deep body…" Sir Walter Merriman 1956

In 1972 Sir Walter died and Bruce Merriman became Managing Director.  The late sixties and seventies were difficult times in the wool industry however Merryville sheep were winning a significant number of shows and wether trials.  These achievements can be attributed to Bruce Merriman, Sir Walter's youngest son.  Bruce Merriman's breeding skills had a great influence on the stud during this time and today, Mr Wally Merriman credits his father (Bruce), for using new scientific techniques to increase the measured characteristics of the Merryville type.
It was through the application of Bruce Merriman's skill and new techniques that  allowed the stud to out perform its competitors and consistently win at shows and wether trials.

Sir Walter Merriman, with Son  Bruce Merriman and grandson Wally Merriman 1956

In Bruce Merriman's term, before his untimely death in 1988, the stud had won four Stonehaven Cups in a row, a record unequalled even by his father, Sir Walter.  The stud also won the second National Wether trial at Orange with Merryville wethers.  This result follows on from the first National Wether Trial at Orange which was also won by Merryville blood sheep.
The Stud is now run as a partnership betweenas Managing Director and Stud Classer, working closely with his brother George Merriman who manages the 'Geegullalong' property where the stud sheep are bred.

Bruce Merriman

From the early beginnings of 1865 to the sound breeding principles developed by Sir Walter and modern technology which permits objective analysis of both wool and sheep, the Merryville Stud continues today.  Together the old and the new have joined forces and are preparing Merryville Stud for the demands of sheep and wool production beyond the year 2000.

Wal Merriman

George Merriman