Historical information

The Polwarth is the first new breed of sheep developed in Australia for Australian conditions. 75% Merino and 25% Lincoln, the fleece is white, soft and high yielding, and is resistant to fleece rot.

A dual purpose breed, the Polwarth produces fine wool as well as a quality carcass that is particularly lean and well suited to lamb and mutton.

A large breed of sheep, mature ewes generally reach 50 to 60kg, while the mature rams, like Mr Polwarth, typically weigh in at 66 to 80kg. This breed has approximately 7kg of fleece per animal which is 23 to 25 microns.

The Polwarth was bred to the west of Geelong at Tarndwarncoort Station, just outside of Colac, in the state electorate of Polwarth. Settled by the Dennis family in 1840, the station is still owned by the same family and they still breed Polwarth sheep.

Physical description

Polwarth ram sheep. Has a medium size body and short legs with white fleece covering his eyes.