The Story of the Grumpy Merino
A family owned and operated business in Culverden, North Canterbury. The Grampians has been in Jono’s family since 1973. Jono is the third generation to farm the property, with Hank, Greta & Alba being the fourth.
The Grumpy Merino is a wool business which specialises in merino wool products which are traceable to our farm, our sheep and our wool. It’s a unique business, which is progressing slowly. We have a small range of wool blankets or throws, knitting yarn, children’s vests and a knitted garments which are crafted within North Canterbury.
The Grampians is where we live and farm. The Grampians has been farmed by the Reed’s for fifty years. A huge achievement that we celebrated as a family in October 2023.
We farm merino sheep and Angus cattle. We have an Angus cattle operation called Grampians Angus, where we sell approximately 60 Angus bull’s each June at our on-farm sale. We have three small children who attend our local, rural school. They love living on the farm, where they enjoy riding their ponies, feeding their chooks, playing with the pet dogs and being involved on the farm.
The Grumpy Merino was launched in May 2020
Our initial aim was to produce a range which was ours. 100% traceable to The Grampians and made within New Zealand. It was and still is important for us know, who is making our products and supporting manufacturing within in New Zealand.
An inspiration to our concept was my late grandmother, who we lost in 2019. She was passionate about blankets made from natural fibres. Subsequently I inherited one of Grandma’s throws which is now used in our home. She also gifted Jono and I, a merino shawl for our children when they were born. It was delicate, deliciously soft but perfect for a new baby.
With this inspiration, we thought we could develop a range with our wool. We knew, we had beautiful fibre, the story and we were passionate about developing the concept. At this point, there wasn’t many on farm wool businesses. We were fortunate enough to have to direction from people who knew the processes well and role models in wool business.
COVID 19 highlighted the negative impacts on our financial climate, making it a difficult time for all small businesses. We’re optimistic that we’re on the other side of this difficult time and our economy will improve once again.
The Grumpy Merino is five years old in May 2025. We’re delighted that our wee business has made it this far in a somewhat very challenging time and continues to bring such joy to people who support us.
Our story, the promotion of New Zealand wool and New Zealand made products is something that we are incredibly proud of. We only hope it’s valued and appreciated by all who follow us. In time, we hope this business along with our farming operation will be a legacy our children will be able to share, evolve and love as well.
Hank, Alba and Greta Reed.
