For almost five decades, Gunallo Poll Merino Stud has been focused on one clear breeding objective: developing productive, functional, and resilient Merino sheep that perform in challenging environments.
Located in Victoria’s Mallee region, Gunallo has built its reputation by selecting sheep that balance wool excellence with modern production traits, fertility, carcase performance, structural soundness, and adaptability.
In 2025, this philosophy travelled beyond Australia’s borders when Gunallo genetics were exported to Argentina, beginning a new chapter of international collaboration with Claudio Pamich and his family’s operation in the extreme south of Patagonia.
Now, the next generation of Gunallo genetics is on its way.
Finding Common Ground Across Continents
Claudio first discovered Gunallo at the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show, where the type of sheep immediately caught his attention.
“I was attracted by the type of animal and it was exactly what I was looking for,” Claudio explains.
Breeding at Estancia Monte Dinero, located in one of Argentina’s harshest environments, Claudio places strong emphasis on sheep that can survive and thrive under pressure.
The extreme climate of southern Patagonia demands animals with natural resilience, efficiency, and adaptability.
“Our priority today is rusticity. We raise animals under natural pasture conditions and apply strong selection pressure to those that adapt well to our environment.”
This shared approach to breeding created a natural connection between Gunallo and Estancia Monte Dinero.
Selecting Genetics for the Future of Merino
The decision to introduce Gunallo genetics into the Argentine flock was based on a shared vision of the modern Merino.
Claudio was particularly attracted to Gunallo’s combination of:
- Balanced meat and wool production
- Early growth and maturity
- Fertility and productivity
- Strong carcase structure
- Good eye muscle depth
- Adequate fat cover
- Excellent wool quality
- Poll genetics with clean, wrinkle-free bodies
- Consistency across the flock
“The type of animal attracted me — balanced in body and wool, free of wrinkles, with good carcase characteristics and excellent wool quality,” Claudio says.
“Consistency in these characteristics across the animals shows a clear breeding objective.”
The Journey of GUN 24-0674 to Argentina
Importing genetics across continents is not a simple process. The journey requires careful coordination between breeders, veterinary authorities, and export and import requirements.
Claudio describes the experience as challenging but rewarding.
“From the stud to the freezing centre, the process was very practical. Brad was very supportive throughout the process.”
While the import paperwork and regulations created some challenges, the shared commitment between both teams allowed the project to move forward.
The result was the arrival of Gunallo semen into Argentina, including genetics from GUN 24-0674, a sire selected to contribute valuable production traits to the next generation of Merino sheep.
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The First Progeny Are Coming
On June 12th, 2026, the imported Gunallo semen was used for insemination at Estancia Monte Dinero.
The first lambs from this Australian-Argentine genetic partnership are expected to arrive in November 2026.
For both Gunallo and Estancia Monte Dinero, this will be an exciting milestone — the first opportunity to see how these genetics perform in the unique conditions of southern Patagonia.
Claudio is committed to documenting the journey and sharing detailed performance data from the progeny of GUN 24-0674, including:
- Weaning weight
- 200-day weight
- First fleece weight
- Wool quality measurements
- Yearling weight
- Eye muscle depth
- Backfat thickness
“I will send you as much information as possible,” Claudio says.
This detailed performance data will provide valuable insights into how Gunallo genetics adapt to a new environment and contribute to future breeding decisions.
Different Seasons, Shared Goals
One of the unique aspects of this collaboration is the difference between Australian and Argentine production systems.
While the breeding and lambing seasons are opposite between the two countries, the shared objective remains the same: producing sheep that deliver consistent results.
“Our breeding and lambing seasons are very different from yours, so our results come through at a different time of the year,” Claudio explains.
This difference creates an opportunity for ongoing knowledge exchange between producers operating in two distinct environments.
Building the Future of Merino Together
For Claudio, the partnership between Australia and Argentina represents an opportunity to strengthen the future of Merino genetics globally.
“I believe collaboration between both countries is fundamental,” he says.
“Australia has made a very important change in Merino breeding, focusing on Poll animals with improved carcase structure, stronger bone, fewer wrinkles, and high-quality wool types.”
However, the true measure of genetics is performance in the paddock.
“The next step is seeing how Gunallo genetics adapt to our environment.”
This philosophy is at the heart of Gunallo’s breeding program — selecting animals that are not only genetically superior but also capable of performing under real production conditions.
A Partnership Beyond Genetics
The export of Gunallo semen to Argentina is more than a transaction. It represents a relationship built on shared values, knowledge exchange, and a commitment to improving Merino production.
As the first Gunallo lambs are born in Patagonia in late 2026, both teams will be watching closely, collecting data, and learning together.
The journey of GUN 24-0674 is just beginning.
From the Australian Mallee to the windswept plains of Patagonia, Gunallo genetics are now part of a global story — one built on resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of better sheep for future generations.
Gunallo Poll Merino Stud
Breeding balanced, productive and resilient Merino genetics for Australia and the world.