Step into our world of resourceful sheep farming

At Südwolle Group, we‘re not just experts in spinning: we go back to the very source of our product – our own Merino sheep farm.

 

Nestled in the heart of Victoria, Australia, Mount Hesse is one of the country‘s oldest and largest Merino sheep farms. Acquired by Südwolle Group in 2002, our farm combines centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge practices to produce natural high-quality wool. Home to over 25.000 adult ewes, we produce up to 135,000 kg of greasy wool annually, with an average micron range of 17.5-18.9.

 

From sheep growing to wool sourcing, we know the challenges of the industry inside out. Our commitment to forward-thinking practices ensures that every step of our process, from farm to finished product, upholds the highest standards of animal welfare, quality and transparency.

A group of seven people and a dog stand outdoors by a metal fence. Clad in hats, Merino wool shirts, and jeans, they gather around a man in an orange safety vest at the center. Meanwhile, a brown and white dog is busy sniffing the ground in front.

Get a glimpse of what we do

Optimised

Soil Fertility

We use deep-rooted perennial grasses to maximise soil nutrients and reduce fertiliser use.

 

These grasses tap into nutrients that shallow-rooted species can’t reach.

Diverse Pasture

Management

A mix of pasture species and rotational grazing ensures year-round soil and animal health.

 

Grazing rotation helps prevent over-grazing and supports land regeneration.

Minimised

Chemical Use

Our natural Integrated Pest Management (IPM) cuts down on chemicals by using targeted grazing and pest control methods.

 

IPM reduces the need for pesticides by using grazing to control invasive species.

Tailored Pasture

Development

We select climate-suited pastures and use rotational grazing to balance animal nutrition and land health.

 

This approach helps manage changing weather patterns while protecting the environment.

Enhanced

Biodiversity

Hand-planted trees create habitats for wildlife and provide livestock with shade and shelter.

 

Birds, reptiles, and marsupials thrive in the diverse ecosystems supported by our trees.

Resourceful

Land-Management

By derocking and managing land by type, we improve usability and prevent erosion.

 

Stones are used for paths, making previously unusable land productive.

Water

Management

Natural water sources, including sub-artesian bores, maintain water supply and protect biodiversity.

 

Fenced wetlands offer nesting grounds for birds while safeguarding the environment.

See how innovation fuels what we do

At Mount Hesse, we are committed to leading innovative farming by leveraging technology and science. We already monitor our carbon footprint, use advanced grazing systems, and enhance transparency across the supply chain. Always in harmony with nature, we are implementing measures such as further reducing chemical usage, pushing latest technologies like drones or electric tractors, developing new shearing methods, and strengthening collaborations with universities and research institutions. Our goal is to continuously evolve and set new standards in farming for the future.

Trust in our proven, certified commitment

Mount Hesse is proudly certified under several globally recognised standards.

A circular logo features RWS above a sheep silhouette, embodying the premium nature of Merino wool. The outer circle declares Responsible Wool Standard Certified, and controlunion sits at the bottom, all artfully rendered in soothing blue and white tones.

We are RWS certified, Control Union 857224.
Only the products which are covered by a valid transactioncertificate are RWS certified.

Logo featuring bold ZQ RX text with Regenerative Merino Wool elegantly inscribed below. The design is in striking black on a pristine white background.
Logo featuring ZQ in bold black letters, with MERINO FIBRE in smaller black letters beneath it. This design is simple and modern, reflecting the premium quality of Merino wool.

Ecological Outcome Verification™
Land to Market

A red, circular seal with AUTHENTICO in the center. Encircling it, text reads INTEGRITY - SCHEME - THE SCHNEIDER GROUP, symbolizing the purity akin to fine Merino wool.

These certifications ensure that our wool is produced with the highest regard for animal welfare, and among others, environmental sustainability, and ethical practices.

Go on a journey through our centuries-old tradition

A group of Merino sheep stands in a lush, green field under a clear sky. The background features rolling hills and scattered stones. Trees are visible in the distance, enhancing the pastoral scene, as their prized wool glistens softly in the sunlight.
Aerial view of a large flock of Merino sheep grazing on a green field. These wool-producing sheep are scattered in clusters, with a dirt path running through the center of the image. Shadows from the sheep are visible on the grass.
A rural scene with a windmill and water tank atop a raised platform in a grassy field reminiscent of those where Merino wool is harvested. Tall trees are scattered about, and a metal roof structure peeks through the background. The sky is partly cloudy, adding to the pastoral charm.
A group of Merino sheep gather around a large, weathered tree in a lush green pasture. The background features a line of trees and a cloudy sky, perfectly framing the wool-laden flock.
A rustic stone building with a triangular roof and green doors stands on a grassy area, reminiscent of cozy Merino wools. The roof has patches of rust, and the walls feature a small window in the center. A clear blue sky is in the background, complementing its charm.
Three dogs sit attentively on the back of a Can-Am vehicle, basking in the sun. With trees in the background of this rural setting, their Merino-wool coats glint softly. The scene conveys a sense of vigilance and companionship.
A man and woman kneel beside a large dog on a dirt path. The woman, wearing a wool vest, and the man in a wide-brimmed hat, both smile broadly as they enjoy their walk. Tall trees provide a perfect backdrop to this joyful moment.
A person wearing glasses and a blue shirt inspects a large pile of Merino wool in a rustic wooden barn. Surrounded by wooden beams and stacks of fine wool, they are focused on their task amidst the corrugated metal walls.
Two men in caps converse beside a pen filled with Merino sheep on a sunny day. They appear to be working on a farm, surrounded by green fields and a few trees, likely discussing the quality of the wool.
A group of Merino sheep gather around a large, weathered tree in a lush green pasture. The background features a line of trees and a cloudy sky, perfectly framing the wool-laden flock.
The interior of the old barn, with wooden beams and floors, speaks stories of Merino wool production. The stone walls feature two small windows and a green double door. On the left, wooden and metal equipment rest, while the right side showcases stacked wooden panels bathed in warm light.
Six people in casual work attire stand outdoors by a farm gate, their Merino wool hats and long-sleeved shirts catching the sunlight. Smiling at the camera, they pose against a backdrop of open farmland under a clear sky.
A large flock of Merino sheep grazes on a lush green field under a clear sky. Several woolly Merinos, known for their fine wool, are looking towards the camera while the rest are scattered across the pasture. Trees line the background, completing this serene rural scene.
A wooden room with several horse saddles hanging on the walls, complemented by a Merino wool blanket draped over a chair. Sunlight streams through a small window, illuminating the rustic setup. A horseshoe adorns the wall beside the window.
Two dogs, as cozy as merino wool, enjoy a ride in a vehicle. The black and brown companions stick their heads out of the window, soaking in the fresh air. The background blurs with a road and grassy landscape under a clear sky.
An older man stands beside a white truck with a caged back draped in dark tarp, its purpose hinted at by the rich Merino wool blankets stacked neatly inside. Solar panels gleam atop a nearby building under the clear sky, while the ground remains lush and grassy.
A person wearing a cap and sunglasses stands in a pen with a flock of Merino sheep and a dog. The setting is outdoors on a farm, surrounded by grassy fields ideal for the wool-rich breeds, under a clear sky in the background.
An elderly man with gray hair sits on a wooden bench, smiling. He is wearing a dark jacket and jeans. In front of him, a small Merino goat stands inside a pen, bordered by metal bars and stone walls.