Our Founder
photo credit: Francesco Mastalia
EUGENE WYATT
In 1990, just four years after Australia lifted its ban on exporting genetics, Eugene Wyatt flew to Melbourne and selected five world-class Saxon Merino rams to serve as the foundation of his flock. A first-generation, self-taught farmer, Eugene spent the next 28 years cultivating one of the most remarkable flocks in the United States. His mission was to produce the gold standard of Saxon Merino wool, and he stayed true to that mission until his death in May 2018.
Our Shepherdess
photo credit: Hannah Maxwell
DOMINIQUE
Working side by side with Eugene for 13 years, Dominique learned from the best what it means to be a shepherd. Her love of the sheep was apparent to Eugene and is the reason he left them in her care. The sheep get the best care possible and we continue to produce superfine Saxon merino wool. “It is a dream job, something I was born to do.” Along with caring for the sheep, Dominique is a certified organic gardener.
photo credit: Hannah Maxwell
JIM
Every farm needs a Jim and our Jim is a creative thinker, a doer, a humorist, a perfectionist, and an all around tractor driving man on the farm. The crazy thing is, this is his “side gig”. He is first and foremost a master chef and owner of the best restaurant in Warwick, The Grange.
just some of the many helping hands
COLLABORATORS
From our gang of helpers at the NYC markets, to the spinners, the webmaster, the photographer, the tanners, the butchers, the vet, the shearers, the coyote hunters, the Rhinebeck helpers, hay makers, artists, and everyone one else who help this small farm operate, you are appreciated!
Vanishing Fleece
You can learn more about Eugene Wyatt inside Clara Parkes’ absorbing book on the American wool industry, Vanishing Fleece. Eugene was a prolific writer as well and we feature archives from his writings in the Shepherd’s Lounge blog.
Walk along side Dominique on the Catskill Merino Instagram page and hear about the lives of the sheep throughout the year; It’s fun to know that superfine, bouncy yarn on your lap comes from such loved animals.