Polwarth
The Polwarth is a dual-purpose, easy-care sheep developed in Victoria in 1880 from 75% Merino and 25% Lincoln breeding. Polwarths are run successfully throughout Australia’s sheep areas, ranging from high rainfall regions to semi-arid pastoral areas. They have been exported to over 20 countries, particularly to South America where there are now more Polwarths (or Ideals) than in Australia.
Polwarths produce a stylish, white, long stapled, soft-handling and high-yielding wool of between 21 to 25 microns in diameter and a staple length of 110 to 120 mm. Fleeces weigh on average around 6 to 7kg per head. The sheep are plain and straight bodied, with few wrinkles and a high resistance to fleece rot. These attributes combine to minimise the potential for fly-strike.
The Polwarth produces a uniformly lean carcase suitable to a number of lamb and mutton export markets. Mated to selected meat breed rams, Polwarth ewes make good prime lamb mothers, or ideal first cross mothers to mate to a third breed ram to produce large, lean lambs. Polwarths are available for sale in reasonably large numbers.
Further information is available from:
The Polwarth Sheep breeders’ Association of Australia
PO Box 108
Goodwood SA 5034
