The wool has gotten finer at Ashby farm in the Tasmanian Midlands. By ‘finer’ we’re not talking figuratively, but literally. In 2018, when we started working with Ashby owners, Will and Nina Bennett, on single-source Merino wool knits (right), Ashby fleece averaged around 17 microns. Now the fleece is less than 16 microns on average. What that translates to is a garment that is not only soft and comfortable, but will last over time as a potential ‘heirloom’ garment.

A lot more has changed at Ashby in the last seven years. For one, the three Bennett kids, a daughter and two sons, have gotten older. The eldest Bennett child goes off to university to study agriculture this year, and her two younger brothers near the end of school and seem hellbent on continuing the family tradition. “Yep, the 6th generation are all very keen on the land,” confirms Will Bennett. “Ashby has been in the family for so long. We have a real connection here. It’s very special seeing the kids grow up and showing the keen interest that they have. Ashby has provided a great lifestyle for us and it’s a very special place.”

To care for Ashby’s native grasslands and preserve the unique biodiversity on the farm, the Bennetts have also been working with the Tasmanian Land Conservation for the last few years. In early 2024, the family and TLC planted out 10 hectares of shelter belts across the farm, which included thousands of trees and shrubs. The shelter belts provide loads of benefits, says Will Bennett. “They give habitat to native animals, insects and birds, while providing elements of protection for our livestock.”

Oh, and that average micron of below 16 microns? That means Ashby wool is now in cashmere territory, at least in terms of fibre fineness. Forget the goat. At Ashby, the real GOAT, figuratively speaking this time, are the superfine Merinos.