An exciting development in New Zealand sheep breeding is causing people to breathe a little easier worldwide.
Enter New Zealand's newest sheep breed, the Astino, which is named after Mt Aspiring and the Māori word for perfect - 'tino.'
The Astino has been bred specifically to produce wool with outstanding filtration qualities that outperform synthetic alternatives. As a result, Astino wool is a great natural alternative in the battle against air pollution.
Astino wool has already been used in the manufature of an anti-pollution face mask that was recently launched in several Asian markets.
Sheep breeder and industry legend Andy Ramsden caught up with The Country's Jamie Mackay for a closer look at the properties of Astino wool and what it means for the future of fine wool in New Zealand.
