The property produces superfine merino wool for markets in New Zealand and overseas with a stocking rate of between 18 stock units a ha on irrigated blocks to one stock unit a ha on native vegetation blocks. About 12,000ha is topdressed, according to a pamphlet produced by the farm company.
The area was settled by Europeans in 1858 and merino sheep were introduced at that time. Emmerson family ties with Forest Range date back to about 1910.
Forest Range runs a computerised breeding programme developed in conjunction with Massey University, with the elite flock of ewes artificially inseminated annually to the top-performing rams.
The flock is run under natural conditions with no supplementary feeding and helicopters are used extensively for mustering and pest control.