Polwarth sheep
Template:Short description Polwarth is a breed of sheep that was developed in Victoria, Australia in 1880. They were of one-quarter Lincoln and three-quarters Merino bloodlines. They are large, predominantly polled sheep with long, soft, fine wool and produce good meat carcasses. They were developed in an attempt to extend the grazing territory of the sheep because the Merino was found lacking in hardiness in this respect.<ref name="OKState">Template:Cite web</ref> They are a dual-purpose (meat and wool) breed with a major emphasis on wool production.<ref name="NZSheep"> Template:Cite web</ref> Richard Dennis of Tarndwarncoort in southwest Victoria bred the Polwarth, first known as Dennis Comebacks.<ref>Template:Cite Australian Dictionary of Biography</ref> Descendants of Dennis' sheep continue to grow Polwarth wool at Tarndwarncoort, maintaining the original bloodlines in a flock referred to as the "Blue Dots".
Wool
Polwarth wool is well regarded for its application in woolcraft. The longer staple length, up to 130mm, makes it easy for handspinning and felting. The wool is soft enough to wear against skin, and is known for its drape.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Millspun yarns made solely of Polwarth wool are commercially available.
Polwarth sheep were developed with white wool; however, natural black, brown, and grey wool flocks have expanded the popularity of Polwarth wool for craft.
Characteristics
Mature ewes weigh Template:Convert and mature rams weigh Template:Convert. Ewes are excellent prime lamb mothers, producing lambs that have good lean carcasses. The high-yielding fleeces weigh an average six to seven kilograms, with a fibre diameter of 23 to 25 microns<ref name="AWEX w">Preparation of Australian Wool Clips, Code of Practice 2010-2012, Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX), 2010</ref> (58–60s).<ref name="NZSheep"/><ref name="Sheep101"> Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Stephens">Stephens, M (et al.), Handbook of Australian Livestock, Australian Meat & Livestock Export Corporation, 2000 (4th ed.), Template:ISBN</ref>
Economy
The Polwarth Sheepbreeders' Association of Australia was formed in 1918 and the studbook closed in 1948.
Polwarths are now raised mostly in the higher rainfall regions of south-eastern Australia that have improved pastures. Polwarths have been exported into many countries, including South America, where they are known as Ideals.<ref name="Stephens"/> Polwarth and Corriedale form the main sheep breeds on the Falkland Islands.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>