When Tandou commenced operations at Menindee in 1972, a large merino flock grazed the significant pastoral area surrounding Lake Tandou.  Over the years the emphasis on grazing these areas moved from production to stewardship aimed at managing the valuable rangeland resource.  In 2002 the decision to destock merinos from the pastoral area was made, due to declining returns and increasing cost of running the commercial merino operation.

In 2007 with a desire to actively manage and create income from the pastoral area, Tandou turned to the Dorper, a sheep bred in South Africa for meat production.  It is a cross between the Dorset and Persian breeds and is a highly fecund, fast maturing animal.  The Dorper is ideally suited to Tandou’s pastoral environment as they require little management, due to the Dorper’s ability to shed its wool.

To add further value to its pastoral operations, Tandou is in the process of gaining accreditation as an organic producer.  Tandou is currently classified as “Pre-Certified” to organic production under the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) Standards.  BFA is Australia’s peak organic certification body and their accredited produce is sought after in domestic and international markets.  Tandou pastoral country is ideally suited to organic production as a result of the minimal management inputs required for the Dorper breed and the careful responsible management of this pastoral country for many years.