Paul, you’ve just been to Patagonia – one of the most remote places in the world. What made you decide to visit the shepherds there in person, rather than simply keeping in touch via email or video call?
Certificates are good, but I also feel a personal responsibility. When I tell my customers that our sheep are doing well, I want to have seen that for myself.
You’re Argentine and grew up there. Does that make your connection to Patagonia even more special?
I was born in Germany and emigrated to Argentina when I was one year old. My father is Argentine, my mother German. Argentines are very proud of Patagonia. When we think of our homeland, we picture a free, virtually untouched natural landscape. I literally brought my first wool from Patagonia back in my suitcase. That’s why I’m particularly proud to source high-quality merino wool from there today – and at the same time contribute to the protection of this unique environment.
Have you ever been there before? What was your first impression when you saw the estancias and the Patagonian landscape (again)? Did anything surprise you, or even overwhelm you?
I’d been to the western part of Patagonia before, where the landscape is completely different. This time I was in the east – and it was overwhelming to see those vast distances. You witness how the landscape gradually changes, from fertile, green soil through to dry areas with trees and large bushes, and finally to very sparse vegetation with nothing but small shrubs.
Patagonia is known for its extreme weather conditions. What does that mean for the farms?
Patagonia is very cold and, above all, extremely windy. Living there is a real challenge. For the sheep, however, it is an ideal climate. They are protected by their wool and are shorn in spring and summer. By autumn, the fleece has grown back and protects them once more.
Who are the people you visited? Can you tell us about a family or a person who has stayed particularly in your memory?
We first visited the vet, Verónica. She works locally on organic certification, inspects the farms and provides training. The family at Estancia San Jorge particularly stuck in my memory. They are very proud of their work and carry it out with great dedication.
What is a typical day like for a Patagonian shepherd? What is life like for the farmers there?
The sheep are spread out over vast areas – around five hectares per animal. An estancia can cover as much as 15,000 hectares. Such a large area isn’t covered in its entirety every day, but is checked bit by bit. The shepherds check the fences, look after the animals’ health and keep an eye out for pumas in the area. The pumas roam, and neighbours are in constant contact to protect the flocks as best they can. The busiest time is late spring and summer, when the animals are rounded up and shorn.
Sheep farming in Patagonia is often a family trade passed down through generations. What role do craftsmanship and traditional knowledge play in the families you met?
Today, modern technology is used to some extent, and shearing is often carried out by external contractors. However, what cannot be outsourced is the knowledge of wool quality and breeding. Certain characteristics of the sheep, such as birthmarks, can, for example, affect the colour of the wool. These animals are kept separately, as are those with wool that is too coarse, in order to ensure quality in the long term.
As a GOTS-certified manufacturer, fair production is particularly important to you. How do you ensure that your collaboration with the shepherds is truly fair and takes place on an equal footing?
On the one hand, this is ensured by the certifications. At the same time, however, the farmers are in direct contact with me. Should any problems arise, I am informed and can take immediate action.
In your view, what makes Patagonian wool so special – both in terms of its quality and the way it is sourced?
Above all, the climate and the natural diet of the sheep. This combination results in an exceptionally high-quality fibre.
The GOTS standard isn’t just about the end product, but the entire supply chain. Which aspects of animal husbandry on the ground impressed you in terms of animal welfare and sustainability?
The vastness of the land and the natural way the animals are kept. The sheep live virtually free-range and in conditions that suit their natural behaviour.
Did you also identify any challenges or areas for improvement during your trip – things you’d like to tackle in the long term together with the shepherds?
Yes. The farmers often don’t earn much for the hard work they do. At the same time, the costs of certification are very high. I think these costs should be borne more by the raw wool traders and brands like us, to ease the burden on the farmers.
Many of our customers knit with a deep passion and are very conscious of where their yarn comes from. What would you say to them directly when they hold our wool in their hands?
They can be sure that we do our very best. When they knit or crochet with our yarn, they are holding a genuine piece of Patagonia in their hands – produced with history, heritage and a great deal of dedication.
Is there a moment on this journey that has personally moved or changed you?
Yes – as with many journeys: sitting at the table with farmers and partners, eating and having a glass of wine. In moments like that, you realise: we are all the same.
Did you learn anything from the shepherds – about wool, work or life – that you hadn’t expected?
You’d think someone with 15,000 hectares of land would be wealthy. In reality, these people work extremely hard just to make ends meet.
A journey like this takes time, money and energy – and yet you go on it. What does this direct connection to the origins of your wool give you, both personally and as an entrepreneur?
I have learnt the most in my life through travelling and having conversations with people on an equal footing. I am happy to share these experiences with my team, my family, and our clients.
For anyone looking for inspiration: what advice would you give to someone who wants to experience Patagonia for themselves – and why is the long journey worth it?
Patagonia is different. It’s hard to describe – you have to experience it.
The long journey is definitely worth it!
