MALONE WINES
MALONE LAMB
Malone Lamb has been produced on our family properties near Naracoorte in South Australia’s Wrattonbully region since the 1940s. Sheep breeding has formed the backbone of our family operations for four generations and originally, our focus was on breeding sheep for fine wool. However, over the past 70 years, we have diversified by introducing new breeds and refining a minimum-stress management approach that today produces the finest top-quality meat.
Naracoorte (see Our Story) and the surrounding area in the Limestone Coast, is celebrated as one of Australia's premier regions for prime lamb farming. Referred to locally as “Big Gum Country,” our sheep roam and graze among majestic red gums, some of which have stood for over 700 years.
The region also benefits from reliable winter and spring rainfall and ample underground water resources, providing an ideal environment for natural feed production throughout the year.
Recognising the paramount importance of livestock health and well-being, we’re committed to implementing a unified integrated management program across all four of our properties.
Our lambs are mothered by Border Leicester/Merino Cross ewes, a breed renowned for their exceptional maternal instincts. These ewes come from our Woodalla property, located north of Naracoorte, where there’s a slightly warmer climate and abundance of trees that provides excellent shelter for lambing ewes.
Poll Dorset and Whiteface Suffolk rams are the sires we use in our flock. The Poll Dorset breeds strong, robust lambs that mature early in the season, while the Suffolk is chosen for maiden ewes to assist with lower birth weight lambs, aiding in their first birth, and producing lambs that mature slightly later.
We meticulously manage our pastures to ensure our sheep receive optimal nutrition throughout the year. With our region's rainfall patterns, most of our lambs born in late autumn/early winter enjoy lush green pasture, minimising stress during this crucial period.
Before lambing, we individually scan ewes and group them according to single or twin births. Our irrigated pastures are reserved for ewes expecting twins, while the rest graze on renovated pastures.
Pasture renovation is vital to maintain optimal production. Our new pastures, including lucerne, clover, and grasses, are part of a rotation plan tailored to suit the soil profiles of each property. During dry seasons, we supplement sheep nutrition with lucerne and pasture hay. Grazing crop stubbles allows us to rest pastures during summer months. All our hay is produced on the farm, ensuring a constant food supply during variable weather conditions.
For more information about Malone Lamb, please email Nick Malone.
