Established in 2018 by Sydney businessman, Ken Wolf, and developed alongside manager, David Zouch, who has extensive experience in the Merino industry and a strong background in stud operations gained from his own family stud, Hollow Mount Merino Stud is based on the edge of the South West Slopes in Bigga NSW.
With the focus on producing structurally correct and heavy-cutting sheep with nourished wool to suit all weather conditions, investing in some of the best available genetics has been a priority in the development of the stud.
The property was purchased by Mr Wolf in 2000 and originally started with superfine merinos, before transitioning into a medium wool flock with Langdene bloodlines being introduced in 2005. Over the years multiple top price rams were purchased along with other productive sires to develop the current ewe base.
In 2016, Yarrawonga 193 (Don) was purchased for $60,000 in a syndicate, with Hollow Mount the major shareholder. This ram has played an integral part in shaping the genetic direction of the stud. The sizeable AI program allows for genetic advancement on a larger scale with the use of sires such as Don who appears in multiple categories of the Merino Superior Sires, Sire Evaluation Reports including the All Time Top 50 Sires. Link: merinosuperiorsires.com.au
In June of 2022 a selection of 250 stud Poll Merino ewes were introduced as we move to develop a line of Poll rams and ewes to accompany the existing horn stud. These ewes all joined the AI program and we are excited to see how they progress.
Rigorous classing of the sheep is carried out regularly, and this begins at an early age. The stud and commercial flock’s average micron is 18.3 – 18.4 with an average fleece weight of 7.9kg.
Potential sale rams are selected from six to seven months of age and closely monitored.
A range of raw performance data is collected such as live weights and fleece test results including micron, yield, coefficient of variation, standard deviation and comfort factor.
Approximately 40 rams will be available at the Annual On Property Sale with an additional 150 sale rams available privately. These rams are grown in the paddock and exposed to continuous days of misty rain, snow and a rainfall that reached nearly 50 inches in 2021 and 2022. Their white, bright wool is a true indication of how they handle these weather conditions.